Arsenal defender Gabriel is being pursued by Juventus ahead of the next transfer window, according to Tuttosport.

The Serie A club are looking to recruit a left-sided centre-back, and they have identified three possible options. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka and Fiorentina’s Igor Julio are the alternatives but Gabriel is reportedly deemed the “favourite”.

Juve are said to be aware that signing Gabriel will not be “easy or cheap”, which is an accurate assessment, considering he is a key player for manager Mikel Arteta.

The Brazilian international has started all eight of the Gunners’ games so far this season and there is no indication that a sale would be sanctioned.

Arteta likes to have a balance in terms of having a left-footed and right-footed combination in the centre of defence and, following the departure of Pablo Mari, Gabriel is his only left-sided option. With that being the case, you can’t see any scenario where he would be offloaded.