Gabriel Magalhaes signs new long-term Arsenal contract

The 27-year-old has become a key figure in Mikel Arteta's side since joining from Lille in 2020, making 210 appearances in all competitions and scoring 20 goals - a notable return for a central defender. Gabriel has developed a formidable partnership with William Saliba, with the pair widely regarded as one of the most consistent defensive duos in the Premier League.

Reflecting on his new contract, Gabriel said:

"I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I'm so happy and I've learned a lot. I'm proud of myself - it's been an amazing journey and I'm excited to continue it. I love this club, and my family loves it too. I hope to win trophies here because that's what we all want."

Gabriel has become a critical part of Arsenal's set-piece strategy at both ends of the pitch. Offensively, his aerial threat has produced 17 league goals since his arrival - the most by any Premier League defender in that period. Defensively, his absence was keenly felt late last season after a hamstring injury in April sidelined him for the run-in.

Arsenal's vulnerability from set pieces in the final weeks of the campaign highlighted his importance, with the Gunners conceding multiple goals from dead-ball situations against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Southampton. Statistically, around percent of Arsenal's expected goals conceded from set pieces after his injury came during this period.

One of the foundations of Gabriel's success at Arsenal has been his chemistry with Saliba. The pair, both French-speaking, have become a mainstay in Arteta's back four, with Arsenal's final Premier League fixture of the season - a 2–1 win at Southampton - marking the first time in nearly four years that the club played a league match without either in the starting XI.

The Gunners are now expected to prioritise contract talks with other key players this transfer window, including Saliba and Bukayo Saka. Meanwhile, it was confirmed earlier this week that midfielder Jorginho and defender Kieran Tierney will leave the club at the end of the month when their contracts expire. Discussions are ongoing with Thomas Partey regarding a potential extension.

Gabriel is set to return to full fitness ahead of the 2025–26 season, with the club confident he will be ready for pre-season preparations.