Euro heavyweights want 26-year-old Arsenal star, but the Gunners have other plans

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been linked with a contract extension in recent weeks.

Arsenal are impressed with his performances and they are planning to reward him with a bumper new contract. They expect the 26-year-old to sign a new deal with the club and commit his long-term future to them.

According to HITC, clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona are keen on signing the highly-rated defender. The Brazilian is at the peak of his powers and he has proven himself in the Premier League over the years.

It is no surprise that the European heavyweights are keen on securing his signature. Both Barcelona and Munich have looked vulnerable at the back, and they could certainly use more quality in the defensive unit.

The South American defender could come in and make an immediate impact. He has the quality to compete at the highest level and he could be a key player for the two clubs.

Arsenal do not want to sell Gabriel

However, Arsenal have other plans and they do not want to sell the player any time soon. They are hoping to keep him at the club for as long as possible, and that will certainly come as a major blow for Bayern Munich and Barcelona. It remains to be seen whether they decide to move on to other targets now. They will need to improve their defence if they are serious about winning major trophies and someone like Gabriel could have transformed them at the back.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be hoping to win major trophies as well, and they need to keep their best players at the club. Selling the South American would weaken them defensively and therefore it is no surprise that they are working to tie him down to a long-term deal.