In recent seasons, Gabriel Magalhães has established himself as one of the most dominant defenders in Europe—not just in his own box but at both ends of the pitch. His defensive solidity is matched by his attacking contributions, making him a crucial presence in Arsenal’s setup.
Under Mikel Arteta, and alongside a world-class partner like William Saliba, Gabriel has played a huge role in shaping Arsenal’s defence into one of the best in Europe. His consistency has made him one of the most reliable players in the squad.
Arteta’s defensive philosophy revolves around aggression, front-footed play, and physical dominance. Arsenal’s backline is built on strong leadership and mentality, with Gabriel embodying these traits. His passion for every duel and his deep connection to the club make him an invaluable asset.
Recent reports suggest that Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr are preparing a massive offer to lure the Brazilian away from North London. This deal presents a major dilemma—testing Gabriel’s ambitions in his prime years whilst challenging Arsenal’s stance on a potentially lucrative sale.
In this piece, we analyze the situation from both perspectives: Why Gabriel might consider the deal + Why Arsenal must carefully weigh their options – particularly regarding the financial implications of a huge deal.
Gabriel’s Perspective:
Since joining Arsenal, Gabriel has matured into one of the league’s most well-rounded defenders. Operating in a high line, he has been dribbled past just 0.15 times per 90 this season, highlighting his resilience and defensive technique.
From a personal standpoint, he was one of the first players to fully commit to Arteta’s vision. If there are any concerns about moving on, they could stem from a desire for new challenges or financial security. However, his emotional connection to Arsenal is evident—whether in his passionate celebrations, interactions with fans, or his determination in crucial moments.
Embed from Getty ImagesA key factor in Gabriel’s decision-making will be his international ambitions. As a proud Brazilian, he dreams of representing his country at World Cups and Copa América tournaments. A move to Saudi Arabia could jeopardize his position in the national team.
Remaining in Europe allows players to grow, refine their skills, and compete at the highest level. The Premier League and Champions League offer unparalleled experiences—would Gabriel trade that for a higher salary in a less competitive league?
Saudi clubs have the financial power to double or even triple his current wages. If the offer is too lucrative, Arsenal may have little choice but to accept. The financial aspect of the deal could be life-changing, especially for a player approaching his late 20s.
However, moving to Saudi Arabia at 27 could take away prime years of his growth. A long-term contract would limit his chances of returning to Europe before 30, potentially affecting his legacy as a top-tier defender.
Arsenal’s Perspective:
Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Gabriel is currently in talks over a contract extension at Arsenal. Few players deserve a new deal more than him—he put his faith in Arteta’s project early on and genuinely deserves to win silverware before considering an exit.
His development under Arteta has been remarkable. Initially known for aggressive tackles and occasional lapses in concentration that fans were very critical of, Gabriel has transformed into a reliable and composed defender.
Currently valued at €75M and earning £100k per week, Gabriel’s contract negotiations could take inspiration from Saliba’s deal, which sees the Frenchman earn £190k per week. While direct comparisons are tricky, salaries of players with similar quality and importance will inevitably play a role in discussions.
Gabriel’s absence would leave a massive void—especially given his elite partnership with Saliba. Their synergy is exceptional: one is aggressive, the other composed; one commits, the other covers. Disrupting the balance could have consequences in Arsenal’s defensive structure.
Continuity is key in building a title-winning team. If Arsenal are on the verge of silverware, maintaining their defensive core should be a priority. While change is inevitable, stability and momentum in a high-performing partnership is rare and should be valued.
If Gabriel were to leave, the next question arises—do Arsenal have a ready-made replacement, or would they need to look elsewhere? Riccardo Calafiori’s potential arrival might have offered a solution, but his inexperience at LCB raises doubts.
An €80-100M offer for a center-back is enormous, and Arsenal haven’t significantly benefited from the Middle Eastern transfer market yet. Selling Gabriel could provide funds for reinvestment, but it also raises concerns about finding a suitable replacement without disrupting the squad’s balance.
Is Calafiori pushing an already established and consistent world class defender into a mental block of improving, or is there no certain competition? Even if Arsenal identify a target, how certain is it that a replacement would perform at the same elite level?
Conclusion:
Gabriel Magalhães is at a crossroads in his career. Arsenal must decide whether to cash in on a potentially record-breaking deal or prioritize squad stability and long-term success. Whatever happens, one thing is clear—his impact at Arsenal has been immense, and any decision regarding his future will shape the club’s defensive trajectory for years to come.
Of course, this could also be a strategic move by Gabriel’s representatives—a way to leverage interest from Saudi Arabia to negotiate a better contract at Arsenal. Regardless, Arsenal must recognize his importance and ensure his value is reflected in any new deal.
Brilliant work