Newcastle United star Callum Wilson has claimed that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes always tries to rough him up when they face each other.

The Magpies striker co-hosts a podcast with West Ham United star Michail Antonio, where they speak about a range of topics every week. In the latest episode, the duo had their say on the defenders they like playing against.

Here’s what Wilson said.

Callum Wilson says he loves playing against Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal signed Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille in the summer of 2020 for a fee in the region of £23 million.

The 25-year-old has been one of our most consistent performers over the last three years. He was even better than William Saliba at times last season, and he’s now a full Brazil international as well.

One of the traits that make Gabriel such a good defender is his physicality. He is extremely strong and his aggressiveness makes it very difficult for opposition attackers.

When asked who he likes playing against, Wilson named Gabriel – not because it would be an easy game for him, but because the Arsenal man roughs him up every time they face each other, thus bringing out the best in him.

The Newcastle United star said: “Off the top of my head the first person that comes to mind is Gabriel at Arsenal.

“I know 100% any time I play against Arsenal and I’m up against him he is going to try and rough me up. He’s going to kick me, he’s going to smash me and it actually brings out the best in me.”

The Insider’s View:

Gabriel’s style of play may bring out the best in Wilson, but that doesn’t mean the Brazilian will change the way he plays.

The 25-year-old had a difficult start to the season. Mikel Arteta did not start him in the first three games of the campaign, which was a big surprise to many.

However, he is back now, and his fantastic partnership with William Saliba can continue for the coming weeks and months.

Arsenal take on Brentford tonight and it will be interesting to see if Gabriel will start.

The post 'He's going to smash me': Callum Wilson says £23m Arsenal player always kicks him appeared first on Arsenal Insider.