Gabriel Magalhaes has had his future at Arsenal sealed by a new long-term contract. He will continue to work for the club through to 2029. This big news further underscores the Brazilian defender’s transformative presence on Arsenal’s back line. Since arriving from Lille in 2020 for £27 million, he has gone on to make 210 appearances, scoring 20 goals as he established himself as one of the key players. The new deal only serves to underscore his significance to the team as they look to build upon their unprecedented success in seasons to come.
Magalhaes, for his part, was under contract until 2027. In many ways, the new agreement serves as a reflection of the player’s commitment and of the club’s faith in the player’s abilities. His defensive prowess has been a true cornerstone for Arsenal, especially his strong partnership with fellow defender William Saliba. Together they have become an unstoppable pair. Their partnership on the field makes a new look backline ten times more steady defensively.
A Journey of Growth and Achievement
Gabriel first came to Arsenal as a youth player almost five years ago. He says he is incredibly proud of his path with the club. Speaking nostalgically of his time at Arsenal, he said, “I came here as a kid and after nearly five years I’m really happy and I learned a lot. I’m as proud of that as anything, it’s just a wonderful story, and I’m thrilled to be part of taking it further. I’m desperate to get this club some trophies again! My family and I are some of its biggest fans.
Since his arrival, Magalhaes has instantly settled him as a mainstay in Arsenal’s backline. He’s gotten notoriety for his ability to score with his head on set pieces. His ability to finish chances from those positions has made him a key attacking threat, helping Arsenal’s attack continue to excel. The entire team struggled in his absence. He missed most of the season after undergoing hamstring surgery in mid-April. His injury prevented him from playing over the final two months of the campaign. This led to the team experiencing a large spike in goals conceded from set plays.
Looking Ahead to Future Success
Magalhaes, though, is staying positive about his recovery. Despite the postponement from his injury’s complications, he still thinks he can return to full fitness before the start of next season. His physicality and technical quality combined make him indispensable for Arsenal as Arteta looks to push the club up the table and challenge on all fronts. In the same breath, he underscored the squad’s ambitions. We’ve done great so far, but now it’s time to start lifting some silverware. We hope you’ll keep reaching for tomorrow with us—together!
He forms a particularly dominant partnership with Saliba, thanks in part to their ability to communicate through French. This skill helps them become positive role models when they aren’t on the pitch. It is this tacit understanding that has most certainly led to their collective success as a defensive pairing.
Impact on Arsenal’s Defense
Magalhaes’ influence on Arsenal’s new defensive shape would be impossible to exaggerate. Since joining the team, he has made a huge impact reducing the goals conceded. He’s enhanced our team defense structure as a whole. In fact, numbers indicate that around 40 percent of Arsenal’s Expected Goals (xG) Conceded from set pieces occurred during his injury spell. His absence was unquestionable on how much it affected the team’s defense.
For Gabriel Magalhaes, a new chapter has already begun with his new contract. Like all true Gooners, he is fiercely intent on restoring glorious times at the Emirates. His commitment is not just to play but to contribute towards winning titles that the club and its supporters deeply desire.
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