Arsenal now want to sign a player who was slapped in the face by Gabriel Jesus just three months ago

Arsenal are looking to sign a new defender this summer.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber’s injuries mean the Gunners are short of options at the back, and they have been linked with several names in recent weeks.

Fabrizio Romano claimed that Marc Pubill of Atletico Madrid is the latest name on Arsenal’s list, and there has already been contact between the two clubs to speak about a potential deal.

Pubill may not be a very popular name in England, but Arsenal fans may remember him because of what happened after the Champions League semi-final.

Gabriel Jesus slapped Arsenal target Marc Pubill

Arsenal faced Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League earlier this year.

The Gunners had already beaten Diego Simeone’s side in the league phase of the competition, so they went into the tie as the favourites.

The first leg in Spain ended 1-1, and that set us up for a tense affair in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in May.

Mikel Arteta’s side got the job done at home thanks to a goal from Bukayo Saka, and there were mixed scenes at the end of the game.

Arsenal players were all celebrating reaching the final, while Atletico Madrid stars were disappointed and angry with the outcome.

Pubill let his emotions get the better of him.

After the game, the Spain international went to confront Viktor Gyokeres and pushed him from behind. Gabriel Jesus was having none of that.

The Brazilian got in between and appeared to slap Pubill in the face before both players were separated (Goal).

Now, if Arteta gets his wish, the defender could end up at Arsenal this summer, where he will be set for an awkward first meeting with Jesus.

However, there is a chance that the Brazilian will be sold before a new defender arrives, so the two players may not even cross paths.