Gabriel: Arsenal Won’t Let Another Title Slip

Gabriel Magalhaes has said he’s confident Arsenal are ready to convert near-misses into silverware, after admitting the team “let a couple of titles slip through our fingers” during recent seasons.

The Brazilian centre-back, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, is aiming to be back in action for the Gunners’ new campaign — and is convinced that this time, the outcome will differ.

“I don’t think we can give excuses,” Gabriel told BBC Sport. “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 that we can win big titles.

“We’re focused on what our manager is telling us to do, and what we have to do, and what we have to improve. I think this year will be different.”

Under Mikel Arteta, who took charge in late 2019, Arsenal emerged as consistent challengers. Yet, they haven’t lifted a major trophy since winning the FA Cup the following season. Premier League runners-up three years in a row, they also went out at the semi-final stage in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last term.

As pre-season begins in Southeast Asia, with friendlies against AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore later this month, injuries from last campaign remain fresh in the memory.

Last season saw extended absences for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, all of whom are key to Arsenal’s attack. Gabriel Jesus also missed large parts of the campaign due to a knee ligament injury.

That led to midfielder Mikel Merino being deployed as an emergency striker. He held his own — seven goals in 28 league matches, including one against Real Madrid in Europe — but Arteta will want a more natural solution this time around.

The injury issues did, however, give a platform to academy talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Lewis-Skelly has now been capped by England and signed a new long-term deal, while Nwaneri, who struck nine goals in 37 appearances, is close to agreeing new terms too.

Transfer activity continues to raise expectations

Arsenal’s front office has kept busy in the market.

Four new additions — Noni Madueke (winger), Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard (midfielders), and Kepa Arrizabalaga (goalkeeper) — have joined ahead of the Premier League opener at Manchester United on 17 August.

Talks are ongoing to bring in striker Viktor Gyokeres and highly rated young defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Premier League champions Liverpool were keen on Zubimendi last year, and the Spaniard played a telling role in the Euro 2024 final, coming off the bench as Spain defeated England.

Norgaard arrives following the exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, expected to bring steadiness next to Zubimendi.

Madueke adds competition out wide, both as cover for Saka and a challenger to Martinelli.

“I think the players that came will help us out a lot,” Gabriel said.

“The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager. They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.

“The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players.

“Definitely, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players.”

The move for Gyokeres follows a prolific season with Sporting, where the Sweden international scored 54 goals in 52 appearances. Gabriel, who faced him in last year’s Champions League group stage, acknowledged the forward’s quality.

“We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player,” Gabriel stated. “Playing against him last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season.”

As for mimicking Gyokeres’ celebration in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Sporting, Gabriel stayed coy: “About the celebration, it is something I can’t talk about right now.”

Looking to put five titleless years behind them

Gabriel has penned a new deal keeping him at the club until 2029 and dismissed speculation linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.

“I’ve been at the club for five years now and I’ve seen how much the club has grown,” he said.

“I am here to win big titles and I do believe that this season will be different. We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently.

“We almost won but I think this year, things will be different. I have a lot of faith in that.”