Report: Mikel Arteta could make ruthless decision about one of Arsenal's best players after Calafiori signs

Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori this summer could have an impact on one current player’s role in the side.

The Gunners have been working hard on new signings in this window, but the only incoming at the Emirates Stadium so far has been David Raya’s loan being turned into a permanent deal.

However, reports have claimed that Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Calafiori, and a deal could even be completed in the coming days.

The Italian is expected by many to be a great signing for the Gunners, but his arrival could spell danger for one of Mikel Arteta’s key men at the club.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ role at Arsenal is in danger ahead of Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival

Gabriel Magalhaes is one of Arsenal’s best players.

William Saliba gets a lot of credit for his role at the Emirates and rightly so, but Gabriel has been absolutely incredible alongside him.

The Brazilian joined the Gunners in 2020 and he has been one of their most consistent performers. He has gone up a level every season, and he is a fan favourite at the club.

However, Football Transfers suggests that Gabriel’s role at Arsenal could be impacted by the imminent arrival of Calafiori this summer.

The report claims that the Italian’s versatility of being able to play as a centre-back as well as left-back ‘could threaten the position of starting centre-back Gabriel if Calafiori impresses or if manager Mikel Arteta prefers the newcomer’s style’.

Gabriel was dropped at the start of the 2023/24 season, while the report also highlights Arteta’s ‘ruthless streak’ by mentioning how he benched Aaron Ramsdale for Raya last campaign.

Calafiori hasn’t even arrived yet, so it is unclear if he is being viewed as a replacement for Gabriel. We should know more once the season starts.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has already made key decision on expected new Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori

Should Gabriel be worried about his Arsenal future?

Gabriel has been amazing for Arsenal since he joined them.

Yes, he has made mistakes at times over the years, but he was one of the biggest reasons why the Gunners boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season.

We don’t know what’s on Arteta’s mind, but we are convinced that Gabriel will begin the 2024/25 campaign as an undisputed starter. We don’t expect that to change as the season progresses either.

As for Calafiori, we believe Arsenal are pushing to sign him to deploy him at left-back – he would be a big upgrade on both Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko in that position.

So, Gabriel should have zero worries about his role ahead of his return for pre-season.