Arsenal will be thanking their lucky stars that they kept hold of Gabriel Magalhaes despite interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer. And now they are reportedly keen to reward the Brazilian with a new contract, as sporting director Edu puts things in place to secure the long-term future of another important player.
Reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad showed a serious interest in Gabriel last year. Reports in the Middle East suggested that the President of the Saudi Federation even went as far as holding a meeting with the Arsenal defender.
But the financial allure of heading to Saudi wasn't enough to prise Gabriel away from the Emirates Stadium. And he has come on leaps and bounds this season to build a formidable partnership with William Saliba at centre-back.
Although Gabriel signed a long-term contract extension at the end of 2022, The Daily Mail claim that Arsenal are trying to negotiate fresh terms in the hope of warning off potential suitors.
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Talks are believed to be at an early stage, with the club's full focus on the Premier League title run-in, but they are expected to ramp up during the summer transfer window.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Saliba have all put pen to paper on new deals over the past few months. And it shouldn't be too difficult convincing others to stay put given Arsenal's significant improvement since Arteta took over in 2019.
Arsenal took a punt on Gabriel after only one season of regular Ligue 1 football with Lille. The decision has paid off massively, with the 26-year-old now one of the finest defenders in the Premier League.
Gabriel has started 30 of Arsenal's 34 league games this season, with two more appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. And his physical presence at the back could prove vital during the final four matches of the campaign.
The Gunners are a point ahead of Manchester City with four matches to play, although they have played a game more than Pep Guardiola's side. Gabriel and his team-mates are on a quest to avenge last term's painful capitulation in which they opened the door for City to catch up, overtake them and ultimately clinch a third consecutive title.
Next up for Arsenal is a short trip to local rivals Tottenham, who would love nothing more than to spoil their chances of winning a first Premier League crown in two decades.
