Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães believes “this season will be different” as the Gunners look to finally end their long wait for major silverware.
The 27-year-old centre-back spoke to BBC Sport ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong, reflecting on their near misses in recent campaigns — including three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes.
“We’ve let a couple of titles slip through our fingers,” he admitted. “But I think this year, things will be different.”
Gabriel signed a new contract running until 2029 and confirmed he is fully focused on helping Mikel Arteta’s side lift silverware, starting with the Premier League opener away at Manchester United on August 17.
Why Injuries Must Be Avoided This Season
Arsenal’s hopes last year were hit by poorly timed injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard.
Jesus in particular missed large parts of the campaign with a serious knee injury, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to play as a false nine — despite his natural position being deeper in midfield.
There were silver linings, however: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri emerged from the academy and became first-team regulars.
“I don’t think we can give excuses. We all believe we can win big titles.” — Gabriel, speaking to BBC Sport
How Arsenal’s Summer Signings Could Shift the Title Race
Arsenal have already added four new signings this summer:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Martin Zubimendi
- Christian Nørgaard
- Noni Madueke
The Gunners are also closing in on Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting and Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
Zubimendi, fresh off a title-winning Euros campaign with Spain, is expected to slot into midfield alongside Nørgaard, replacing the departing Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Meanwhile, Madueke offers versatility across the forward line and competition for Saka and Martinelli.
Viktor Gyökeres: The Striker Arsenal Need?
Gabriel has already faced Gyökeres in the Champions League and rates him highly.
The Swedish striker scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season — and is seen as the missing link in Arteta’s attack.
Negotiations over bonuses and payment structure remain a sticking point, but Arsenal remain confident of completing the deal.
Arsenal 2024/25 Stats Recap (Premier League only)
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Final Position | 2nd |
| Goals Scored | 82 |
| Goals Conceded | 35 |
| Top Scorer | Bukayo Saka (19 goals) |
| Clean Sheets | 17 |
| Key Absences | Jesus, Ødegaard, Saka |
Analyst Verdict: Arsenal's Moment to Deliver?
The foundations have been laid. Arsenal’s recruitment is smarter, the squad is deeper, and the hunger is stronger. If Gabriel Jesus stays fit and Gyökeres arrives, this could finally be the year Arsenal go all the way.
Arteta’s men no longer fear the pressure — they embrace it.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriel believes this is Arsenal’s year to end their trophy drought
- Injuries hurt them last season — depth is now better
- New signings like Zubimendi and Madueke bring freshness
- Kepa adds experience in goal
- Gyökeres could still arrive to lead the line
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal face AC Milan (July 23) and Newcastle (July 27) in the Singapore Festival of Football.
The Premier League opener comes against Manchester United on August 17.
Do you believe this is finally the year Arsenal lift a major trophy?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 20 Jul 2025 16:34
Yeah, which season of Netflix are we in right now?! No, but with Gyokeres I think they can have a go, they were lacking a proper 9, if Gyokeres comes than there's no excuse left anymore for Arteta and his lads.
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