Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos name has been in the rumor mill this summer transfer window. Nonetheless, the Brazilian defender has yet to leave the French capital.
Still, the latest whisper involving the 29-year-old is Al-Ittihad will make a play for the PSG captain. According to the Daily Express, the Saudi Arabian club is pivoting to Marquinhos as Plan B.
Al-Ittihad has abandoned its pursuit of Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães and has now set its sights on the center-back.
🚨 Al-Ittihad have given up hope of signing Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães and are instead targeting a move for PSG captain Marquinhos. 🇸🇦❌
(Source: Daily Express) pic.twitter.com/IO87Ys1Wbm
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 23, 2023
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has shown strong interest in the 25-year-old. Following the hard-fought 1-0 win against Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta emphasized that Gabriel is still a crucial component of his plans.
Al-Ittihad is one of four Saudi clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund, and they have money to burn. Gabriel has recently become one of the top names on their transfer shortlist.
Arsenal has no intention of selling their crucial first-team stars, including the former Lille OSC defender, particularly this late in the transfer window.
Will PSG be open to selling its defender? It seems unlikely, though, as the capital club probably wants depth at all positions. Nonetheless, that probably won’t stop Al-Ittihad from trying.
