Arsenal have initiated talks to secure a new contract for key defender Gabriel Magalhaes, as revealed by football expert Charles Watts. In an exclusive report for CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing column, Watts indicated that negotiations are still in the early stages, but the Gunners are eager to retain Gabriel, who played a crucial role in their recent North London Derby victory against Tottenham.
Although Gabriel may not receive the same recognition as his defensive counterpart William Saliba, Watts emphasized that he is an invaluable member of Mikel Arteta’s team. His standout display in the win over Spurs showcased his qualities, particularly as he scored the decisive goal with a powerful header from a corner.
In addition to his goal, Gabriel’s defensive contribution was immense, helping Arsenal maintain their exceptional away clean sheet record in 2024. Commenting on his performance and the potential contract, Watts said: “Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were outstanding once again. I believe they form the best centre-back partnership in world football.”
Watts highlighted Gabriel’s defensive passion and noted that despite Saliba often making headlines, Gabriel remains an underrated yet vital presence in Arsenal’s backline.
