Arsenal is aiming to strengthen its squad by securing a new contract for key defender Gabriel Magalhães, following the recent extension of manager Mikel Arteta’s contract. The club’s focus on retaining core players comes amid interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the Brazilian centre-back.
On Thursday, Arsenal extended Mikel Arteta’s contract at the Emirates Stadium through the summer of 2027. With Arteta confirmed as manager, Arsenal is now focusing on solidifying their squad, ensuring crucial players like Gabriel remain central to their plans.
Gabriel, who joined Arsenal from Lille for £27 million four years ago, has been vital in improving the team’s defensive performance. Previously, Arsenal’s defense was inconsistent, contributing to an eighth-place finish and 48 goals conceded in the 2019-20 season. Under Arteta, Gabriel has become a key player in one of the Premier League’s strongest defenses.
The partnership between Gabriel and William Saliba has been key to Arsenal’s defensive strength, with the team conceding a league-low 29 goals last season. Gabriel’s development has been significant, with early-career errors largely eliminated and his left-footedness adding balance to the defense.
Arsenal is eager to reward Gabriel with a new long-term contract to ward off interest from rival clubs. Barcelona and Bayern Munich have both shown interest in the 26-year-old, with Barcelona notably having previously signed Arsenal stars like Thierry Henry and Cesc Fàbregas.
Initial talks between Arsenal and Gabriel have begun, and the club is hopeful for a new agreement by the end of the year. Gabriel, who has improved since his move from Dynamo Zagreb, is expected to remain a key player for Arteta, especially with a high-profile North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur approaching.
Arteta expressed pride and enthusiasm after his contract extension, praising the impact of Arsenal’s supporters and the club’s collective ambition. “I feel extremely proud, very excited, and am looking forward to what is coming next,” Arteta said. “Our supporters have transformed individuals and the team, and I am eager to continue this journey together.”
As Arsenal gears up for their upcoming fixtures, including the crucial match against Tottenham, securing Gabriel’s future will be essential for maintaining the team’s defensive stability and overall strength. The club’s proactive approach highlights their commitment to building a competitive squad capable of contending for major titles in the future.
