Gabriel Magalhaes is confident that Arsenal are "ready to reach new heights", with the Gunners "doing everything to bring in top players" in the transfer market this summer
Gabriel Magalhaes could have cashed in. When Saudi riches came calling, many would have been tempted. But Arsenal’s ‘King of Brazil’ defensive rock never looked twice.
“I didn’t hear anything personally,” Gabriel insisted, on the opening day of Arsenal ’s pre-season tour of Asia. “People like to say things on the internet. I’m focused on Arsenal, that’s why I signed the contract I did.”
The 27-year-old has just penned a new five-year deal, committing his prime years to the Emirates. And with 210 appearances already under his belt since arriving from Lille in 2020, Gabriel is ready to double down.
“I’ve seen how much the club has grown. I really believe this season will be different,” he said. “We’ve let a couple of titles slip through our fingers. But now, we’re ready to reach new heights.”
A trophy-free five years and last season’s near-miss still stings. Gabriel missed the final two months through injury as Arsenal lost grip on both the Premier League and Champions League. His absence was felt like a hammer blow.
“It was hard watching from the sidelines,” he admitted. “But I’ve been working hard with the group. I feel good. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Partnering William Saliba in one of Europe’s finest defensive duos, Gabriel believes the next chapter will be trophy-laden, and the summer reinforcements only fuel his belief.
“The club is doing everything to bring in top players,” he said. “That excites me. If you want to compete for titles, you need the best players and that’s what we’re building here.”
Among the new arrivals is Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, a signing Gabriel is buzzing about. “He did well at Brentford. We know what he can do. He’s come to help us achieve our goals.”
While he stayed tight-lipped on Viktor Gyokeres - “he’s a Sporting player, I can’t talk about that” - Gabriel’s tone suggested Arsenal’s transfer business is not finished yet. The squad landed in Singapore this weekend without Gyokores or Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, although both could yet join as the club’s fifth and sixth summer transfers.
Chelsea signing Noni Madueke is on holiday following his Club World Cup duties. Arsenal first face AC Milan, Newcastle and then arch-rivals Spurs, in Hong Kong. For Gabriel, it’s a business trip, not a holiday.
“It’s a beautiful place,” he smiled. “But we’re there to prepare. We’ve got great games, and we’ll focus on what our manager tells us. If we get some free time, we’ll enjoy the city, but the focus is the season.”
So what’s changed for Gabriel in five years at Arsenal? “Everything. I’ve grown a lot, on and off the pitch. My leadership, my tactical awareness. That’s down to my teammates and the manager. Mikel Arteta has helped me so much.”
And what’s his message to the new signings? “I always tell them to focus and adapt quickly. They’ve done that already. We’re gelling well and this year, we believe we can win good titles.”
He is not just talking the talk. Gabriel’s walking into a new season with renewed belief, a clean bill of health, and an unshakeable sense of unfinished business. This time, he’s not settling for almost.
For tickets to watch Arsenal take on AC Milan and Newcastle at the Singapore National Stadium, please click here