Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has declared this season “will be different” for the Gunners as they look to end their trophy drought, admitting the team has let major honors “slip through our fingers” in recent years.
The Brazilian center-back, who recently signed a new long-term contract until 2029, spoke to BBC Sport ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. He acknowledged the club’s near-misses—including three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes and last season’s Champions League semi-final exit—but insisted the squad is ready to take the next step.
“We did everything we could in the last three years. I feel like we had a little bit of bad luck sometimes, but we all believe we can win big titles,” Gabriel said. “We’re focused on what our manager is telling us, what we have to improve. I think this year will be different.”
Injury Lessons and Squad Depth
Arsenal’s title push last season was hampered by injuries to key attackers like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, while striker Gabriel Jesus missed a significant period with an ACL issue. The situation forced midfielder Mikel Merino into an unfamiliar center-forward role, though he impressed with seven Premier League goals.
Gabriel refused to use injuries as an excuse but emphasized the need for consistency: “We can’t give excuses. We have to focus on what we can control.”
The Gunners have moved to address squad depth issues this summer, signing winger Noni Madueke (Chelsea), midfielders Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Christian Nørgaard (Brentford), and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (Real Madrid). They are also closing in on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, who scored 54 goals last season.
“The players that came will help us a lot,” Gabriel said. “To compete for titles, you need the best players.” When asked about Gyökeres—whom he mimicked after scoring against Sporting last season, Gabriel smiled: “He’s a great player… but he’s not an Arsenal player yet.”
Personal Commitment and Belief
Gabriel, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, dismissed rumors of a Saudi Arabia move, reaffirming his commitment to Arsenal’s project. Having been at the club since 2020, he’s seen Mikel Arteta’s rebuild firsthand and believes the team is now ready to deliver.
“I’m here to win big titles,” he said. “We’ve let a couple slip recently, but I have a lot of faith this year will be different.”
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign at Manchester United on August 17, but first face AC Milan and Newcastle in pre-season friendlies in Singapore later this month. With a deeper squad and lessons learned, Gabriel and the Gunners are determined to turn promise into trophies.
