Arsenal defender Gabriel is the latest big-name star to be targeted for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

The Gunners are aware of the interest but it remains to be seen whether boss Mikel Arteta and Edu would be open to selling, having previously turned down interest in the Brazil centre-half.

The centre-back is the latest big name player to be targeted by Michael Emenalo, head of player recruitment for the Saudi Pro League. 

Emenalo oversees what is essentially a draft system in the kingdom where being gay is still a crime and 81 people were executed last year. 

The former Chelsea technical director was appointed by the Pro League in July to continue its £400m spending spree, with four Saudi clubs now awash with cash from the country's Public Investment Fund.

The league has already acquired Cristiano Ronaldo, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin as well as 26-year-old Rueben Neves from Wolves.

The Gunners signed the Brazilian centre-back from Lille for a fee in the region of £27million in 2020.

After a difficult start to life in North London, Gabriel has established himself as one of Arteta’s most vital players.

Whether that will be enough to keep the valued defender at the club amid the riches unleased by the Saudi gold rush remains to be seen. 

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Despite spending £21million on Poland international Jakub Kiwior in January, Arteta would almost certainly demand a replacement for Gabriel with the likes of Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi firmly on his radar.