London: Gabriel Magalhaes has expressed confidence that Arsenal will see a change in fortunes this season, following a series of near-misses in recent years. The Brazilian defender acknowledged that the team has “let a couple of titles slip through our fingers,” but believes this season “will be different” for the Gunners.
According to BBC, Mikel Arteta, who has been at the helm for nearly six years, has overseen significant improvements since his arrival. Despite these advancements, Arsenal has been unable to secure major silverware since their FA Cup victory in 2020 during Arteta’s first season. The Gunners have finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive years and faced semi-final exits in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last season—falling to Paris St-Germain and Newcastle, the eventual winners.
The team also had to contend with the absence of striker Gabriel Jesus for a significant part of the campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. This forced midfielder Mikel Merino to step in as a makeshift centre-forward, a role in which he performed admirably by scoring seven goals in 28 Premier League appearances and netting a crucial goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, Arteta is keen to avoid such scenarios this season.
Injuries last season also paved the way for academy talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to break into the first team. Lewis-Skelly has since debuted for England and secured a long-term deal, while Nwaneri is on the verge of doing the same after an impressive run of nine goals in 37 appearances.
Gabriel emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement, stating, “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.” Arsenal’s transfer activity has been robust, with new additions such as winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga bolstering the squad. They are also working on securing striker Viktor Gyokeres and young defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Zubimendi, a highly regarded defensive midfielder, played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over England. Arsenal’s acquisition of Norgaard from Brentford adds experience to their midfield, compensating for the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Madueke is seen as a versatile option capable of challenging for a starting position while providing backup for Bukayo Saka.
Gabriel expressed optimism about the new arrivals, stating, “The players that came will help us out a lot. The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager.” He further added, “To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players.”
The anticipated arrival of Gyokeres, who scored an impressive 54 goals in 52 games last season, is expected to enhance Arsenal’s attacking prowess. Gabriel, who faced Gyokeres in the Champions League, praised the forward’s abilities but remained tight-lipped about any celebration antics.
Despite missing the final weeks of last season due to a hamstring injury, Gabriel is optimistic about the future. He has committed to the club until 2029 and dismissed any rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s ambitions, Gabriel stated, “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.”