Arsenal centre back Gabriel has expressed his desire to play for Brazil in the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
The 23-year-old has been called up to his country in a bid to retain the gold medal they won in 2016 this summer, alongside Gunners teammate Gabriel Martinelli.
However, as the Olympics are not a FIFA tournament, countries must gain permission from players' clubs in order to select them for it.
The event is set to begin on Friday, July 23, and run to Sunday, August 8. Given that the Premier League season gets underway on August 14, this would likely rule Martinelli and Gabriel out for the opening fixtures of the 2021/22 campaign.
Arsenal also confirmed that they are going to be travel to America to take on Inter Milan, Everton and Colombian side Millionarios in the Florida Cup as part of their pre-season preparations between July 21 and July 28.
The Gunners have also pencilled in friendlies against Scottish duo Hibernian and Rangers on July 13 and 17, respectively, and it is likely that if the Brazilian duo are involved in the Olympic team that they will miss out on those too.
However, speaking ahead of Brazil's Olympic squad's friendly against Cape Verde on Saturday, Gabriel has expressed his desire to represent his country at this summer's tournament.
"A dream. That's the word to describe this possibility," said the 23-year-old to globoesporte.
"Representing the green and yellow shirt is always a source of pride and pleasure. Without a doubt it is a dream and also a goal.
"The generation that won in 2016 will be remembered forever. I hope to be able to write my name in history too."
He added: "Due to the level of competitions I played and having played frequently, I'm sure this will be very important for me in the national team.
"I feel, today, a much more complete athlete. Tactically, physically and technically, I feel extremely prepared.
"I played against the best athletes and at a very high intensity. This raised my level a lot. I hope to be able to put all this growth into practice for the national team."
It is still not clear whether Arsenal will be willing to let him go to the tournament this summer.
Mikel Arteta likes to have a left-footed centre-back in his back four and Pablo Mari is the only person who would be able to directly replace Gabriel in this instance as a result, with Zech Medley potentially set for another loan next season.
However, the Brazilian insisted he is not worried about the uncertainty between his club and country and instead is just focused on performing well in the upcoming friendlies.
"I believe that at the right time and in case of a summons, CBF and Arsenal will talk and reach an agreement," he said.
"At the moment I want to keep my head centred on these friendlies and preparation to guarantee a place in the Olympics."
Gabriel's absence could open the door for William Saliba, who is expected to be given a chance to impress Arteta in pre-season after being deemed not ready last summer and sent out on loan to Nice in January.
Young centre-halves Daniel Ballard and Mark McGuinness have impressed in their temporary spells away from the club as well, and could also be called up to help the first team prepare for the upcoming campaign next month.
