Gabriel Magalhaes admits to having shunned rival interest in his services, amid talk of Manchester United and Chelsea being keen, in order to complete a “dream” switch to Arsenal.
The Brazilian defender saw his stock soar while on the books of Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
Big-spending outfits from across Europe were prepared to buy into his potential, with Premier League heavyweights leading the chase.
Editors' Picks
Arsenal ended up putting a £25 million ($33m) agreement in place, with Gabriel adamant that he gave no thought to heading elsewhere once the Gunners showed their hand.