Arsenal have put forth the notion that superstar defender Gabriel is not for sale, despite him being linked with transfer moves to various high profile clubs [via Fabrizio Romano on Twitter].

Gunners fans were concerned when Gabriel was omitted from the starting lineup in their 1-0 away win over Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

He did make an appearance from the bench the 70th minute, albeit only after the Gunners were reduced to ten men after Takehiro Tomiyasu was controversially sent off for a professional foul.

In Romano’s tweet, he wrote: “Understand Arsenal have no intention to sell Gabriel Magalhães despite Al Ittihad interest. Arsenal not even intentioned to indicate a price tag for Brazilian centre back at this stage. He’s expected to stay.”

Should Arsenal keep Gabriel at the club?

Currently, Gabriel is one of Arsenal’s best defensive options – and arguably their second-best centre-half, behind the indomitable William Saliba.

Not only is Gabriel an excellent, physically-gifted defender, he is also relatively young. At the age of 25, he still has a couple of years to go before he reaches his footballing prime.

He is prone to the occasional mistake, which has led to the Gunners conceded unnecessary goals on occasion – but these are becoming fewer in number as he gains experience with age.

Gabriel has an attribute that is highly sought after in today’s game – he is a left-footed centre-back. This allows the Gunners to play out from the back with few complications – essentially, it widens the range of passing that is available to their centre-halves.

Who has been linked with a move for Gabriel?

In wake of the long-term injury sustained by Eder Militao, Real Madrid have been scrambling to find a replacement – as such, Los Blancos have turned their attention to Gabriel, in hopes that they can complete a deal.

However, despite Madrid’s interest, Arsenal are holding firm and have not named a price regarding his availability (as per Romano’s tweet).

They aren’t the only ones – several clubs who play in the Saudi Pro League are also thought to be interested in exloring a deal to bring Gabriel on board.