LONDON (AP) — Arsenal strengthened its defense further ahead of the new Premier League season by signing center back Gabriel from French club Lille on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Brazilian joined on a “long-term contract,” Arsenal said, for a reported fee of 30 million euros ($35 million).
“He is a player we have been studying for a while and he was in demand from many clubs, so we are proud to have agreed and completed this transfer,” Arsenal technical director Edu said.
Composed on the ball and cool under pressure, the Sao Paulo-born Gabriel is regarded as one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe.