Arsenal’s Gabriel is regarded as Juventus‘ top defensive target and there are at least three reasons why the Bianconeri are looking at the Brazilian centre-back.
The Serie A giants have already secured the services of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria, but are desperate for defensive reinforcements given that Giorgio Chiellini has left and Matthijs de Ligt is willing to join Bayern Munich.
The Dutch defender has already reached an agreement with the Bavarians, but Juventus have rejected the opening offer from Germany: €60m plus add-ons.
Gabriel is now on top of Juventus’ defensive targets because of technical and financial reasons.
The Bianconeri will try to lower Arsenal’s asking price, which is €30m-40m, but the defender’s €2.6m-a-year salary is affordable for Juventus. His gross wages could also be cut by a further 50% thanks to the so-called ‘Growth decree.’
Being only 24, Gabriel has ample room for improvement and Juventus are looking for a defender who has international experience and can further develop in the future.
Last but not least, Gabriel is a left-footed centre-back and could be an alternative to Leonardo Bonucci to build up from the back. Juventus don’t have a left-footed centre defender following Chiellini’s move to LAFC, so Gabriel is a signing that would make sense for the Old Lady also from a technical point of view.
As of today, Juventus’ centre-backs for next season are De Ligt, Bonucci, new signing Federico Gatti and Daniele Rugani. If De Ligt leaves, the Old Lady may be looking for two new centre-backs and not only one.