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Arsenal are reportedly in discussions with Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes regarding an extension of his contract beyond 2027, indicating the club’s keenness to secure his services for the long term.

Having inked a new deal with Arsenal in October 2022, Gabriel’s current contract runs until 2027, a testament to his contributions since joining from Lille in September 2020. The 26-year-old has emerged as a linchpin in Arsenal’s defensive setup under Mikel Arteta, forming a formidable partnership alongside William Saliba at the heart of the defence in the last two seasons.

With 164 appearances across all competitions, Gabriel has notched up an impressive tally of 15 goals, showcasing his versatility as an athletic presence in both defence and attack. Conor Harrison, reporting on X, revealed that Arsenal are already engaging in discussions with Gabriel regarding a contract extension, aiming to recognise his consistency and reliability on the field.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes is currently on £100,000 a week deal (Image credit: Getty Images)

While currently earning £100,000, Arsenal are inclined to elevate Gabriel’s pay to align with the increased remuneration received by his teammates, such as Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, and Martin Odegaard, who earn between £150,000 to £240,000. Beyond financial considerations, Arsenal aim to secure Gabriel’s services during the peak of his career, emphasising his integral role in the team’s defensive structure.

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Renowned for his defensive prowess, adept passing, and knack for scoring crucial goals, Gabriel has proven to be a vital asset for Arsenal, particularly in set-piece situations. His stature as a top-scoring defender in the Premier League since arriving in England in 2020 underscores his significance to the team’s ambitions.

Despite facing competition for his position following the arrival of defender Jurrien Timber, Gabriel’s resilience and commitment earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup. Reflecting on his journey, Gabriel expressed his determination to contribute to Arsenal’s success, acknowledging the support and guidance from manager Mikel Arteta.

“It was tough, obviously at the start,” Gabriel shared with PA Media. “But now I’m back in and I want to keep on working hard to prove my worth. [Arteta] spoke to me and obviously explained the reasons behind the decision… I’m happy to be back in the team and hopefully, I can help them moving forward.”

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