Gabriel Magalhaes is convinced that Arsenal is “ready to reach new heights”, where the Gunners “do everything to bring top players” on the transfer market this summer
Gabriel Magalhaes could have cashed. When Saudi wealth came to call, many would have been tempted. But Arsenal's 'King of Brazilian' defensive rock never looked twice.
“I have heard nothing personally,” Gabriel was full on the opening day of Arsenal's pre-season tour through Asia. “People like to say things on the internet. I am focused on Arsenal, so I signed the contract that I did.”
The 27-year-old has just written a new five-year-old deal and committed his prime years on the Emirates. And with 210 performances under his belt since he arrived from Lille in 2020, Gabriel is ready to double.
“I have seen how much the club has grown. I really believe that this season will be different,” he said. “We let a few titles slip through our fingers. But now we are ready to reach new heights.”
A trophy-free five years and the near-miss from last season is still stabbing. Gabriel missed the last two months due to injury when Arsenal Grip lost on both the Premier League and the Champions League. His absence felt like a hammer blow.
“It was hard to view from the sidelines,” he admitted. “But I worked hard with the group. I feel good. I am ready to run the ground.”
Gabriel collaborates with William Saliba in one of the best defensive duos in Europe and believes that the next chapter will be loaded with trophy, and the summer improvements only feed his faith.
“The club does everything to get top players,” he said. “That fascinates me. If you want to compete for titles, you need the best players and that is what we build here.”
Among the newcomers is Brentford's Christian Norgaard, a signature Gabriel Zoomt over. “He did well at Brentford. We know what he can do. He came to help us achieve our goals.”
While he remained Viktor Gyokeres with tight lips – “he is a sporty player, I can't talk about that” – Gabriel's Toon suggested that the transfer company of Arsenal has not yet been completed. The team landed this weekend in Singapore without Gyokores or Valencia defender Crithian Mosquera, although both could still participate as the club's fifth and sixth summer.
Chelsea who was signed Noni Madueke on vacation after his club World Cup tasks. Arsenal is first confronted with AC Milan, Newcastle and then Arch-Rivalen Spurs, in Hong Kong. For Gabriel it is a business trip, not a vacation.
“It's a beautiful place,” he smiled. “But we are there to prepare for. We have great games and we will concentrate on what our manager tells us. If we get some free time, we will enjoy the city, but the focus is on the season.”
So what has changed for Gabriel in five years at Arsenal? “Everything. I have grown a lot, on and next to the field. My leadership, my tactical consciousness. That is up to my teammates and the manager. Mikel Arteta has helped me so much.”
And what is his message about the new signing sessions? “I always say that they have to concentrate and adjust themselves quickly. They have already done that. We are good and this year we believe that we can win good titles.”
He doesn't just talk about the conversation. Gabriel comes in a new season with renewed faith, a clean account of health and an unwavering sense of unfinished things. This time he hardly takes advantage of.
Click here for tickets to view Arsenal AC Milan and Newcastle in the Singapore National Stage