It has been a big year for Gabriel Magalhaes. Entering the season very much in the shadow of the newly integrated William Saliba, by the end of the season in which Arsenal have challenged for a title, the Brazilian has arguably been rated as being the best part of the Gunners’ back four.
To rewind again however to the start of the season, there were suggestions that perhaps Gabriel wouldn’t even be part of the squad for the forthcoming campaign. There had been links with a potential exit and the defender, despite highlighting his happiness, did appear to entertain the flattery of the likes of Juventus and Barcelona being mentioned.
"It's always nice to get that recognition but I'm really focused on Arsenal," he told Sky Sports in August. "I am very happy here.
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“I've got a good relationship with my teammates and I am fully committed to the project. I am convinced that, with the project we have, we can achieve a lot."
Juventus were reportedly convinced that they’d be able to secure the defender in the summer for a discounted price. Alfredo Pedulla reported that Arsenal were supposedly looking for €40m (£33.8m) but that the Italian giants were convinced they’d secure him for less.
By the end of the window not only was Gabriel an Arsenal player but Juve had secured Matthijs de Ligt’s replacement, Gleison Bremer. Gabriel would go on to sign a brand new deal with Arsenal and declare that it was the best day of his life to commit his future to the club.
"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."
Gabriel will be a huge part of the new campaign but does face competition that was not there at the start of last season. In January Arsenal signed Polish international Jakub Kiwior who has featured in both centre-half positions and left-back under Mikel Arteta already.
Arsenal had no intention of allowing Gabriel to leave, football.london understands and the new contract was evidence of this. The snub of Juventus despite the flattering reported interest demonstrates just how far the club has progressed.
No longer do their stars see the potential of a move away as the immediate pathway, and instead staying at the club to fight for Arteta’s project is now a more attractive prospect. Gabriel was later joined by Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka in signing new deals with the hope that William Saliba will soon follow.
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