Gabriel Arsenal: Gabriel Magalhaes explains why he chose Arsenal over Manchester United and Everton
gabriel arsenal is back in focus after Gabriel Magalhaes opened up on why he chose Arsenal in 2020, despite interest from Manchester United, Everton and Napoli. The defender said the decision came quickly once Mikel Arteta made contact, and he stressed that his belief in the Premier League played a major role. The remarks come as Arsenal prepare for a crucial league clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with the club top of the table on 70 points.
Gabriel Arsenal decision shaped by Premier League belief
Gabriel said he had been watching Premier League matches while in France and already viewed England’s top flight as the strongest competition. He explained that when Arteta called, his response was immediate, and he accepted that the early stages would be difficult.
He also said the support he received on arrival helped him settle. That move proved decisive: Arsenal secured his signature for £27 million and later saw him develop into a central figure in the side’s rise under Arteta.
Gabriel has since become one of Arsenal’s key performers. The 28-year-old has made 252 appearances in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and adding 10 assists, while also signing a contract extension last summer that keeps him at the club until 2029.
Gabriel Arsenal role grows as title race intensifies
His comments arrive with Arsenal in a strong position in the Premier League table. The Gunners lead the standings on 70 points and are six points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
That gap adds weight to Sunday’s match, which could shape the run-in. Arsenal will want to hold their advantage and strengthen their push for a first league title in more than two decades, with Gabriel again expected to be central to that effort.
What Gabriel said about the move
Speaking about the transfer, Gabriel said: “When I was in France, I watched a lot of Premier League games. I know the Premier League is the best competition. ” He added: “When he called me, I just said yes, I want to be there. I know in the beginning it was going to be difficult, but the first time I arrived here he tried to help me every single day. ”
Those remarks underline how quickly the move was settled once Arteta made his pitch. They also reflect why Gabriel Arsenal remains a significant part of the club’s current story: not just a signing from 2020, but a defender now embedded in Arsenal’s title challenge.
What happens next
All attention now turns to Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Gabriel Arsenal will again be judged not only on his individual form, but on how he helps Arsenal protect their place at the top as the pressure of the title race rises.
