Arsenal analysis: Why Gabriel Magalhaes is so important to Mikel Arteta’s plan
Gabriel Magalhaes has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
The 27-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year deal valid until June 2029.
“It’s [Arsenal] an amazing club and I’m so proud to sign a new contract,” the defender told Arsenal.com.
“I love this club, I love the fans, my teammates, I love this stadium - I am so proud and thank you for all the support.”
He continued: “We’ve done a lot of good things, and it’s time to win some trophies.”
Under Mikel Arteta, the Brazilian has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but what makes Gabriel so vital to the Spaniard’s project?
The start of something special
Gabriel celebrates a goal on his Arsenal debut.
When Arteta first took over Arsenal in December 2019, the club were in an unprecedented place, sitting 11th in the Premier League.
The Spaniard was able to salvage an eighth-place finish and needed to act fast in the following summer transfer window.
Enter Thomas Partey and Gabriel.
The Gunners paid just £27million to bring in Gabriel from French side Lille, while Partey was signed on deadline day from Atletico Madrid.
It was the signing of this duo that really started to turn things around for Arteta & Co.
On his debut, the Brazilian international introduced himself to the Arsenal faithful with a towering header in a 3-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
A sign of things to come.
While another eighth-place finish followed in the defender’s first season in North London, from there, Arsenal have only ever climbed the table and never looked back.
Gabriel Magalhaes x William Saliba
Gabriel and William Saliba have formed quite the partnership.
In his first two years in N5, Gabriel was often paired with the likes of Pablo Mari, David Luiz and Rob Holding.
It was not until the 2022/23 season opener against Crystal Palace that the Brazilian truly came into his own.
Started alongside William Saliba for the first time, a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park would be the start of a formidable partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
The duo have been a mainstay in North London, winning a whopping 75 of the 115 matches they have played together in all competitions.
Known as a ‘Rolls-Royce’ defender, Saliba has often overshadowed just how good Gabriel has been, but this campaign, the Brazilian has made his mark.
The best season yet?
Gabriel scored a thunderous header against Tottenham Hotspur.
‘Set-piece again ole ole…’ has often rang around the Arsenal concourse this season, and it’s no thanks to Gabriel - and Nicolas Jover, of course.
The Gunners’ set-piece coach has struck fear into the hearts of many and turned the North Londoners into a ruthless scoring machine from dead-ball situations.
Nicknamed ‘Big Gabi’ by the Arsenal faithful, Gabriel has been a monster inside the box over the last couple of years.
Despite missing 12 games through a hamstring injury, the Brazilian has netted five goals and three assists in 42 appearances this season.
In fact, Gabriel is Arsenal’s 10th highest scorer in all competitions this campaign, not bad going for a central defender.
The fan favourite is not only defensively dominant, but his calmness on the ball is also second to none.
Arteta famously likes to build out from the back, heart-in-the-mouth stuff for Arsenal supporters in the early days of his reign, but Gabriel has become well suited to this style of play.
With 1477 successful passes in the Premier League and an impressive 90.7% pass accuracy, the centre-back has been able to progress the ball up the pitch with ease.
The Gunners have been unlucky not to lift any silverware over the last couple of years, but rest assured, with Gabriel at the back, their time is coming.
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