Gabriel: How Mikel Arteta and Edu convinced new Arsenal signing to join

The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium

New signing Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed how Mikel Arteta and Edu convinced him to join Arsenal.

The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium for a fee understood to be in the region of £22million.

Gabriel joins fellow Brazilians David Luiz and Willian, the latter having recently joined on a free transfer from Chelsea, in north London.

The former Lille defender was wanted by a number of clubs but it is the Gunners who have won the race.

“[Edu and I] had several chats about Arsenal and the new project, we had many good conversations,” he told the club’s official website.

“As the days went by I was getting very excited about it, then I had a call from the coach and that was very reassuring.

“Having the coach himself calling you to say he wants you in his squad motivates you a lot. That is the very reason I am here today.

“We did not talk about [details], he just told me he is aware of my quality, my capacity and how far I can go. He also said he will be very demanding with me.

“I know he is a great coach and I will make progress with his help.”

Gabriel joined Lille in January 2017, having started his career in Brazil with Avai.

Manager Arteta added: “He has many qualities which will make us stronger as a defensive unit and as a team.

“He has proved with Lille that he is a defender with many outstanding attributes and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an Arsenal player.”