GABRIEL MAGALHAES revealed Nicolas Pepe played a key role in his Arsenal transfer.
The Brazilian defender arrived from Lille for £23million in the summer and has settled into life in the Premier League well.
Nicolas Pepe convinced Gabriel Magalhaes to join Arsenal from Lille, a year after he made the same moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But speaking to Sky Sports, Gabriel said it was a conversation with his former team-mate in France that convinced him to make the switch.
He said: “I spoke with Pepe before I moved.
“I asked him how it was at the club.
“Of course, he influenced my decision.
“He was one of the reasons why I decided to move to Arsenal.
“It was because I had played with him.”
Gabriel, 22, and Pepe, 25, were together at Lille between 2017 and 2019 before the Ivorian’s £72m record transfer to the Emirates.
After eight goals and ten assists in 42 appearances in his debut campaign, he was happy enough to get his pal alongside him.
Gabriel did not take long to make his mark in the Premier League with a goal on his debut Credit: Reuters
And Gabriel did not have to wait long to get the Gunners fans behind him.
A goal and clean sheet on his debut at Fulham ensured it was the perfect start to life at Arsenal.
But fans on Twitter lauded ‘Agent Nico’ for his work in getting his mate to North London with plenty of interest around England and across Europe.
One said: “Worth the £72million for his agent work alone.”
Another quipped: “Pepe winning for us on and off the pitch.”
A final user added: “Agent Pepe let’s go.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
