Gabriel Magalhaes is adamant Arsenal can go on to win trophies despite the “big challenge” on their hands in the 2025/26 campaign. The Gunners have gone close in the Premier League title race in each of the past three seasons but they have been unable to overhaul Manchester City or Liverpool when it comes to England’s top prize.
Arsenal did go on to reach the semi-finals of both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last term, only for Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United respectively to eliminate them at a time when silverware was in sight. Mikel Arteta is desperate to bring success to the Emirates Stadium, with Gabriel, who recently penned a new long-term contract in north London, sure that the good times are ahead.
“First of all, I’ve already been at the club for five years, and I can see the progress that’s happening here,” said the Brazilian on his new contract. “And for sure, I’m here to win titles, to achieve things, to help make Arsenal even bigger. So yes, I truly believe this upcoming season will be a big challenge for us, but I also believe we can win things.
“In the last few years, we were very close to winning things, and it ended up slipping away. But I have complete confidence in the club and everything they’re doing to help it grow, and I’m certain that this year we’ll be fighting again. And yes, we have a great chance of winning a trophy.”
Arsenal have been desperately unlucky in their fight for major honours and Gabriel has mentioned a lack of luck when it comes to getting over the line.
“I don’t think we can make excuses now,” admitted the 27-year-old. “Like I said, over the past three years we’ve done everything we could, and last year too. I think we just lacked a bit of luck. But within the club, I truly believe we’re all convinced that we can win trophies – big trophies.
“So like I said, now it’s just about getting on with the work. Pre-season has already started, so we’re focused on what the manager is asking of us, on what we can improve, and definitely starting the season strong, because I know that will be really important for us.”
Gabriel has become a huge player for Arsenal since joining from Lille and it was a huge win to see him recently pen fresh terms until the summer of 2029 in the capital. Asked why he has decided to dedicate his prime years to Arsenal and whether Arteta said anything decisive to him, he said: “I have only one thing to say, and Mikel said it: we are ready to reach new heights this season.”
Key to Arsenal reaching those “new heights” will be the club improving their squad in the summer transfer market and duly taking the team to the very next level. The Gunners have been very busy in the transfer market so far with three new signings and more, including Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, set to follow.
New arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard were part of the squad that travelled to La Manga, Spain for a pre-tour camp and they do already appear to be “in sync” with the rest of the squad.
“I think, for sure, when players arrive, the advice I give them is to focus and try to adapt as quickly as possible, because we’re already working really hard,” outlined Gabriel. “So I believe they’re already quite in sync with us, and I believe this year we can achieve great things.”
He added: “For sure, the players who have arrived are of great quality and are here to add to the team. I believe the club is doing its best for us players and for the manager. That’s not something we can interfere with.
“I really think the club is doing everything it can to bring in the best players. We need to focus more on what happens on the pitch, not on what might come or what could happen. We fully trust every player that’s here, and I believe we’re very strong, so we can keep building from that.
“At a club like Arsenal, of course what we want is to have the best players. We want to fight for trophies, so we need to have the best in order to do that.
“I believe we’re all really happy, and the club is very happy with the players who are already here with us. So I think it’s going to be a great season for us, a big challenge.”
Gabriel is already aware of what Norgaard can offer after coming up against him multiple times in Arsenal’s matches against Brentford over the past four seasons. The Arsenal defender knows that his new teammate can immediately come in and help the squad.
“Like I said, I think we want to have the best players, and he’s been doing really well at Brentford,” stated Gabriel. “He’s definitely a player who’s come in to help us too. We know the quality he has, and we’ll try to make the most of that in every way possible.”
One player who could soon be a teammate of Gabriel is Sporting CP ace Gyokeres. The centre-back knows exactly what the Swede can produce after playing against him in Arsenal’s 5-1 Champions League win over the Portuguese side last November.
Gyokeres was not on the scoresheet that evening but all fans got to see his famous celebration as Gabriel produced it himself after making it 3-0 in first-half stoppage-time.
“I think we all know he’s a great player, but he doesn’t play for Arsenal, he plays for Sporting,” he said. “For sure, when we played against him it was a big challenge for us, but what we know now is that he’s a great player who definitely had a great season last year. Yes, he’s a great player.
“Regarding the celebration, I don’t think I should talk about that right now.”
Gabriel was himself in the headlines earlier in the year amid reported interest from the Saudi Pro League in his services. It was not something he personally heard about nor did it distract him from the task at hand at Arsenal.
“I didn’t hear about anything personally,” admitted the ex-Lille man. “People say a lot of things on the internet, for example, but my focus is here at Arsenal. That’s why I signed the new contract, and I’m fully focused here.
“No, I don’t think we should focus on what we see on the internet. It didn’t take my focus away – I was just focused on Arsenal. This is where I want to win trophies, so I feel at ease about all of that.”
Gabriel unfortunately missed the end of last season after having to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered in a 2-1 win over Fulham at the beginning of April. The player is now back on the training pitch with his teammates and making progress.
“I’m progressing really well, I’m already training with the group,” he revealed. “It was a bit of a long process, but I’m feeling good now. I’m working harder every day to get ready.
“Like I said, it’s going to be a season full of challenges, but we want to win, so I’m giving my best. I’m already in a good place to be able to play.”
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