Arsenal Defender Gabriel Magalhaes Makes Clear Warning After Repeated Near-Misses

The Gunners aim to end their trophy drought this season after admitting past failures and strengthening their squad with key signings.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes believes the 2025/26 season will mark a turning point for the Gunners after years of falling agonisingly short in their pursuit of silverware.

The Brazilian centre-back, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, is confident that Mikel Arteta’s side has what it takes to finally lift a major trophy after a five-year drought.

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Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and were semi-finalists in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last term.

"I don't think we can give excuses," Gabriel, 27, told BBC Sport.

"We did everything we could in the last three years. I feel like we had a little bit of bad luck sometimes, but we all believe that we can win big titles."

The Gunners last lifted silverware in 2020 when they won the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season.

Since then, steady progress under the Spaniard has reignited hopes of glory, but injuries and inconsistency at key moments have been costly.

Arsenal: Injury woes and youthful breakthroughs

Last season saw several key players, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, sidelined for significant periods.

Gabriel Jesus also missed much of the campaign due to an ACL injury, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to fill in as a makeshift striker.

Despite the setbacks, Merino managed seven goals in 28 league games and netted a crucial strike against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The injury crisis also opened the door for academy talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to break into the senior squad.

Lewis-Skelly has since debuted for England and signed a new long-term contract, while Nwaneri is close to following suit after scoring nine goals in 37 appearances.

"We're focused on what our manager is telling us to do, and what we have to do, and what we have to improve. I think this year will be different," Gabriel said.

Fresh faces and high hopes

Arsenal have been proactive in the transfer market this summer, already securing winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera are also reportedly close to joining.

Zubimendi, who starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Norgaard, brought in from Brentford to replace the departing Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Meanwhile, Madueke adds depth and versatility to the flanks, capable of covering both wings and pushing Martinelli and Saka for starting spots.

"I think the players that came will help us out a lot," said Gabriel.

"The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager... We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players."

Gabriel, who recently signed a contract extension until 2029, played down rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia and instead reiterated his commitment to the club.

"I am here to win big titles and I do believe that this season will be different. We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently," he added.

"We almost won but I think this year, things will be different. I have a lot of faith in that."

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on August 17, following their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.