A thread on why Gabriel Magalahaes would be a perfect signing for Arteta and Arsenal.

In their 1-0 win over Rennes,3rd in Ligue 1. The 22-year-old repelled most things on the day, winning 60 per cent of his aerial duels, 100 per cent of his tackles and completing 86 per cent of the 62 passes he attempted. It was a mature and dominant showing.

The left-sided centre-back has put in a number of those this term. He’s shown his versatility and consistency, too, performing as part of a back three on occasion. What strikes you when watching Gabriel is just how composed he is.

The former Avaí youngster has a presence about him. When fronted up by a fleet-footed winger, he doesn’t panic. He doesn’t go to ground either. He tends to just control the space and then claim the ball, much to the annoyance of the opposition.

He wins 70 of his ground duels on average and 50 per cent of his aerial battles. The 6ft 3ins centre-back puts his frame to good use.

But defenders aren’t just judged on what they do in the defensive third these days. They’re also tasked with influencing proceedings in the attacking areas. And Gabriel does just that.

Gabriel acts as a deep-lying playmaker. He can play passes between the lines but his pièce de résistance is the ball he plays over the top of the opposition’s defence. Gabriel sprays passes all over the pitch but the real technique in what he does is d amount of backspin he gets.

He’s heavily involved in Lille’s build-up play, averaging 64 passes per 90 and finding a team-mate with 82 per cent. Unlike some, however, he isn’t just playing simple five-yard passes to midfielders.

Not only does he get the ball into certain areas, he weights the passes so well that team-mates are usually able to make the most of them. They aren’t just hopeful balls over the top. They’re precise, pinpoint passes

He plays 40 per cent of his passes forward and, of those long-balls, he’s accurate with more than 50 per cent.

The Brazilian ticks a number of the boxes required for a modern-day centre-back. And given these players come at a premium these days, being able to snag a player with all the potential to be an elite one for around £25million, it makes a move for him a no-brainer.