Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhães
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Arsenal have secured the future of key defender Gabriel Magalhães, with the Brazilian centre-back signing a new four-year contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2029.
The North London club confirmed the agreement on Thursday, reinforcing Gabriel’s central role in Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup. Since arriving from Lille in 2020 for £27 million, the 27-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba.
Gabriel previously signed an extension in 2022, tying him to Arsenal until 2027 on a reported weekly wage of £100,000. While official details of his new contract remain undisclosed, sources suggest a significant pay increase reflecting his growing importance in Arteta’s squad. Speculation indicates his salary may now be in the region of £150,000 to £200,000 per week, placing him closer to the club’s top earners.
Gabriel’s decision to remain with Arsenal comes amid interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who reportedly offered the defender a tax-free deal worth €20–25 million per year, nearly triple his previous salary. Despite the lucrative proposal, the Brazil international chose to stay in North London, prioritising the club’s Champions League ambitions and Arteta’s long-term project.
READ MORE: Gabriel Magalhães commits future to Arsenal with new long-term deal
This marks the second time Gabriel Magalhães has turned down a move to Saudi Arabia, having rejected similar interest in 2023. His loyalty is seen as a strong endorsement of Arsenal’s current direction and competitiveness at the highest level.
Gabriel has made 210 appearances and scored 20 goals for Arsenal, more than any other defender in the club’s history during that span. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and chemistry with Saliba have been crucial to the club’s recent defensive solidity. In the 2022–23 season, Arsenal conceded fewer goals than any side apart from Newcastle, and have been the best defensive side in the Premier League in the last two seasons.
Gabriel on why he signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal: “It’s an amazing club and I’m so proud to sign a new contract.
“I love this club, I love the fans, my teammates, I love this stadium – I’m so proud and thank you for all the support.
“I’m so proud of myself, and as… pic.twitter.com/EEFHbKtFTz
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 6, 2025
Manager Mikel Arteta has often praised Gabriel’s “huge qualities” and “great work ethic,” while newly appointed technical director Andrea Berta described him as having a “consistently positive impact on results.”
Gabriel’s new deal could reshape Arsenal’s wage hierarchy. While his previous £100,000-per-week contract placed him outside the club’s top earners, the expected increase would bring him closer to the elite bracket. According to data fromCapology and other wage-tracking sources, here’s how Gabriel Magalhães compares:
How Gabriel Magalhães is compared with Arsenal top earners
Rank Player Position Weekly Wage (£) Annual Salary (£)
1. Kai Havertz Forward 280,000 14,560,000
2. Gabriel Jesus Forward 265,000 13,780,000
3. Declan Rice Midfielder 240,000 12,480,000
3. Martin Odegaard Midfielder 240,000 12,480,000
4. Thomas Partey Midfielder 200,000 10,400,000
5. Bukayo Saka Forward 195,000 10,140,000
6. William Saliba Defender 190,000 9,880,000
7. Gabriel Martinelli Forward 180,000 9,360,000
8. Oleksandr Zinchenko Defender 150,000 7,800,000
9. Ben White Defender 150,000 7,800,000
10. Gabriel Magalhães (2024-2025) Defender 100,000 5,200,000
– Gabriel Magalhães (Estimated New) Defender 150,000–200,000 7,800,000–10,400,000
If Gabriel’s new salary approaches £150,000–£200,000 per week, it would bring him in line with Saka and Martinelli, reflecting both his value on the pitch and the market’s rising standards for elite defenders.
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Arsenal’s ability to retain top talent like Gabriel Magalhães is underpinned by their strong financial footing. The club posted £614 million in revenue for 2024 and generated over £83 million in player sales in 2025. Losses were reduced to just £17.7 million, while commercial income saw substantial growth.
These figures give the club confidence to invest in long-term contracts for core players, continuing a strategy that will encourage their top stars to remain at the club.
Gabriel’s extension is more than a routine contract renewal, it’s a statement of Arsenal’s intent to compete at the highest level, not just in the Premier League but also in Europe. With suitors abroad circling, Arsenal’s ability to keep a player of Gabriel’s calibre amid a global bidding war highlights their growing stature and ambition.
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