Arsenal close in on new contract for the Brazilian central defender

According to recent reports from various outlets, Arsenal are a step closer to agreeing a new contract with their central defender. While the Gunners are actively pursuing players in the summer transfer window, they are also nearing an agreement to secure Gabriel Magalhães’ future with a fresh contract. The reports suggest that the club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has made securing Gabriel for the long term a priority ever since he started in March. The contract talks are now reaching a successful conclusion. Gabriel’s current deal is set to expire in 2027, but the new contract could keep the player at the club for even longer. The report read:

Sporting director Andrea Berta made talks with the centre-back’s camp a priority shortly after starting his role at Arsenal in March. Those negotiations are now approaching a successful conclusion.

Securing Gabriel’s future will be a significant statement from Arsenal at the outset of a summer in which Berta has a considerable amount of business to attend to.

The Brazilian has been a mainstay in Arsenal colours over the years in Mikel Arteta’s rejuvenated and youthful side. Gabriel has led the central defense alongside William Saliba in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Saliba is also engaged in contract talks with the club, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2027 campaign. Arsenal will be keen to secure his long-term future amid ongoing transfer interest from clubs across Europe and the Middle East.

While Gabriel was sidelined and seemingly headed for an exit in 2023, he made a strong comeback to re-establish himself as a starter at the club. This season, he made 42 appearances across all competitions and scored five goals from set pieces, playing a key role in Arsenal’s strong title challenge.

Who are the other players who are closer to contract expiry? 

Arsenal’s star youngsters, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, will enter the final two years of their contracts this summer. Meanwhile, the club will also need to address the futures of Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who are all set to become free agents at the end of the next Premier League campaign.