Gabriel makes prediction about Arsenal defensive link-up with Saliba

Gabriel Magalhaes is sure he’ll “get along very well” with William Saliba at Arsenal as the defensive pair prepare for their first seasons with the club.

Centre-back Gabriel joined the Gunners from Lille earlier this week, and has taken the No.6 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile Saliba, who will sport the No.4 in the coming season, is set to embark on his first campaign with the Gunners having been loaned out to his former club Saint-Etienne following his signing last summer.

With Gabriel at 22 and Saliba just 19, Arsenal fans are hopeful that the pair could represent a solid defensive partnership for years to come, with Mikel Arteta also boasting experience in his defensive ranks in the likes of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.

For his part, Gabriel says he’s delighted to be at the Emirates and looking forward to linking up with Saliba.

“It is a dream,” he told Arsenal.com.

“I’m living a dream right now, to play for this club with such a massive history and all its achievements.

“Everything there is to achieve and I am very happy to be here. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I am glad to be here and I can’t wait to play with my new teammates.

“I know [Saliba] is a talented young player and if he is joining Arsenal it is because of his quality.

“We have a few friends in common and I did play against him before.

“He is a great player and I am sure we will get along very well.”

Gabriel also cited fellow Brazilian Luiz as a role model as he looks forward to becoming his new teammate.

“For sure David is an example, he is a player I admire very much,” he added.

“I was always a big fan of him and everything he achieved.

“I watched him since I was a kid, I played video games with his character and today it is a dream come true to be here with him and hopefully play next to him soon.”

Will Gabriel and Saliba form a successful partnership? Have your say in the comments

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