Arsenal and BLOSC Lillezilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes have come to terms on the agreement of a new long-term contract. The former LOSC Lille defender has now committed his future to the North London side for the foreseeable future.
The details of his contract sees him extend for two more years on the initial five-year contract he signed upon joining Arsenal in 2020 for £23.14 million. It is unclear how much of a salary bump the former Brazil youth international has received following his extension, however.
Gabriel Magalhaes, 24, has made 81 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions since 2020. Alongside his great performances in defence, his goal threat is something they have been able to count on in the past two seasons.
He has formed a solid partnership with Frenchman William Saliba in the heart of the defence this season, playing 10 games and chipping in with one goal. That takes his tally to nine goals so far in Arsenal colours, a respectable turnout for a defender. His partnership with Saliba has also seen Arsenal concede only 10 goals in the league this season to hold on to the top spot, their best start to a Premier League campaign in over a decade.
Speaking about his new contract, Gabriel, who is still waiting for his first Brazil cap, said: “I’m very happy to sign this new contract with Arsenal, because it’s such a big club,” he said. “It’s my dream and today is the best day of my life. I’m so happy to extend my contract here.
“Every game the supporters are pushing the team in the stadium. It’s why I’m so happy to stay here. Arsenal is my home.
“In the future, I want to win games for Arsenal, I want to win trophies with Arsenal and stay here for a long time because it’s my home.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is delighted to have the 24-year-old extend his contract. The club were on the verge of losing him in the summer when Barcelona and Juventus made enquiries about him and contacted his agent. With Gabriel’s future now certain, Arteta is a happy man. He had this to say after the defender signed his contract extension:
“Gabi has shown huge qualities since he joined us. He is a young player with a great work ethic and his consistent strong performances have been hugely important to us over the past two seasons.
“Working with Gabi every day is a pleasure, he has formed strong relationships with everyone at the club and we’re so pleased that he has committed to us on a long-term contract.”
