Charles Watts insists Arsenal have begun the process of extending the contract of Gabriel Magalhaes and rewarding his exceptional performances.
According to Charles Watts on Caught Offside, Arsenal have begun the process of trying to extend Gabriel Magalhaes’ contract. The Brazilian defender has been an exceptional part of a mean defensive setup under Mikel Arteta, with the club keen to reward him for his displays.
Arsenal begin Gabriel Magalhaes’s contract process
Gabriel Magalhaes continues to draw the plaudits and remains one of the underrated figures in that mean Arsenal backline. The Gunners have continued their defensive resilience from last season and have conceded just once in four games this season.
Gabriel has started all those games and was part of the Arsenal side that conceded only 29 times in 38 games last season. The 26-year-old was the Gunners’ hero at the weekend, having scored the only goal in the North London derby win away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arsenal had opened a dialogue to find out if the defender wishes to extend his stay and have reportedly begun the process to open talks over a new deal. Arsenal expert Charles Watts insists the process is still in its infancy and will take some time before an agreement can be sought.
The 26-year-old still has three years to run on his contract and has sufficient interest in the market. However, the time on his current deal does allow Arsenal to stay relaxed, and plan out his future with ease, as there is anticipation that Gabriel will end up staying here for a long time to come.
Watts said, “I know that Arsenal have started the process of trying to extend his contract and I think that is very important. I think the discussions are still at quite an early stage, but he absolutely warrants a new deal. He’s grown into such a leader since he first arrived and is up there with the very best there is in his position, as he proved once again against Spurs.”
Arteta will be eager to retain Gabriel
In the summer of 2023, there were massive concerns for Arsenal fans as Gabriel was reportedly attracted to the prospect of joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad, as the move did promise a considerable payday. He also has interest from European giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, although the Gunners will have to stay confident given their position in negotiations.
Arteta will surely be eager to retain the Brazilian in his side for years to come and acknowledge his excellent partnership with William Saliba in the heart of the Arsenal defence. Hence, the club must make a good enough offer for the Brazilian, one he will be satisfied with and prompt an immediate extension of his contract at the Emirates.
