Key Arsenal star admits he wants to leave for 'dream club'

Mikel Arteta is putting together another top Arsenal Premier League side, but he may eventually have to deal with a wantaway star

 
9:37am on Friday 7th June 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

Mikel Arteta may have to deal with one of his key stars pushing for a "dream" transfer away from the club - though probably not anytime soon.

Gabriel and William Saliba have formed the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons and in the 2023/24 season, they played a combined 6,464 minutes for the Gunners.

The North London side had the best defensive record in the league as they conceded just 29 goals in 38 games, and a lot of that success can be attributed to Gabriel and Saliba.

The Brazilian has recently confirmed that he won't be at Arsenal forever, though, as he wants to realise his dream of playing for Corinthians. And, crucially, he wants to play for the club before he gets too old.

"Corinthians, that’s since I was born and today I don’t think it has to be any different. I still go to Corinthians games by train. It’s my dream, I want to play for Corinthians, I want to feel that energy," he said in quotes relayed by The Mirror.

"It’s something to think about. Sometimes I stop and think, 'Do you dream of playing for Corinthians?' I do. 'When would you play for Corinthians?' For me, I’d be at Corinthians tomorrow.

"I hope it doesn’t take too long because I want to feel the energy of those fans, who are incredible, as soon as possible."

Gabriel in 2023/24

26 yrs - D (C) - Arsenal
88
Defending
Creative
Passing
Attacking
Shooting
Decisive
Aerials
Physical
JavaScript chart by amChartsLDefendingCreativePassingAttackingShootingDecisiveAerialsPhysical10-10-5051015100%
3044
Played matches
36
4
0
Duels won P90
4.73
Aerials Won P90
2.34
Successful passing %
89%
Tackles Won P90
0.80

Gabriel had a great individual season in 2023/24 as in the Premier League he won the majority of his tackles (0.8/1.4), aerial duels (2.3/4.2) and ground duels (4.7/7.8) while he also made 2.8 clearances and four ball recoveries on average per game.

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