Gabriel signs new long-term deal with Arsenal

Arsenal have confirmed that centre-back Gabriel has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The Brazilian joined the Gunners from Lille in 2020 and has gone on to make 81 appearances in all competitions. While he does have his moments, the defender has played a big role in Arsenal’s stellar start to the 2022/23 season – starting all ten of the Gunners’ Premier League encounters thus far.

This perhaps wasn’t the extension supporters were expecting with the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka all believed to be in negotiations over their respective deals. Nevertheless, securing Gabriel for the long haul is a sensible move from the club.

Gabriel signs new long-term deal with Arsenal

Confirming the news on Friday afternoon, Arsenal wrote: “Gabriel Magalhaes has signed a new long-term contract with us.”

Exactly how long Gabriel extended his contract isn’t clear, but the defender’s new deal will certainly keep him in north London for years to come.

Speaking on the extension, Technical Director Edu said: “It’s great that we’ve agreed a new deal with Gabi. At 24, he’s still a young player and is part of our future. His performances since he joined us in 2020 have been very strong and his positive impact on our results have been clear for everyone to see.

“He has grown so much on and off the pitch, with both his contribution and communication on and off the pitch. We all look forward to see Gabi continue to grow as an important part of our club.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added: “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.”

The big man himself, meanwhile, described this as the “best day of his life”. The Brazilian added: “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.”

While he may not be everybody’s cup of tea, Gabriel’s extension is richly deserved (just reduce those errors, chief).