Gabriel Magalhaes expresses excitement on new Arsenal additions

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has expressed his excitement towards the club’s current summer additions on the eve of their first Premier League game at home, this Saturday.

The Brazilian defender was elected to take part in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, where he spoke on the interest shown in himself by other clubs by committing himself to the project at hand with the Gunners.

Following the signings of his compatriot Gabriel Jesus, alongside Manchester CIty’s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, Arsenal have spent approximately £120 million this summer.

Gabriel has revealed the effect that’s had on the camp as they aim to better last season’s fifth-placed finish.

"I think when new players come in, they always boost the level of quality in the squad,” the 24-year-old said.

“That goes for the new signings but also the players who have come back from loans.

"Everyone is here to help the team. Having more quality will help us get Arsenal where it needs to be."

The Brazilian was joined by ex-Saint Etienne starlet William Saliba in the heart of the Gunners’ defence, last Friday night, as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.

Saliba, following three consecutive loan spells away from the Emirates Stadium, finally made his long-awaited debut for the North Londoners and Gabriel is hopeful of forging a fruitful relationship next to the Frenchman.

"He's a young player who came here at a very young age and then went out to get some experience. 

“Now, despite his age, he is already playing for the French national team. That tells you how good he is. He's here to help the team and he's a very promising talent,” Gabriel stated.

"He is a good friend of mine already. We speak French together, so that helps. He has added a lot of quality to the team and I think he has a brilliant future ahead of him."

The Brazil international also played his part in Arsenal’s bid to lure his namesake, Gabriel Jesus, to the Emirates Stadium, as he drew back the curtains on what it’s like working alongside two other Gabriels.

“When we were on international duty, we discussed his future and I told him [Jesus], 'Come to Arsenal! Come to Arsenal!' Maybe I had a bit of an influence there,” the defender said jovially.

"He is someone who is very focused and really enjoys working hard. He is here to improve the team and he is already doing that. 

“He has come here with big expectations. He wants to achieve big things with Arsenal. I think he is really going to help us.

"Sometimes people shout, 'Gabi, Gabi!' and all three of us look around," Gabriel said jokingly.

"But out on the pitch, one is Jesus, the other is Martinelli, and I'm Gabi.”

The next task for Gabriel and co. comes against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester in the Gunners’ first official outing of the season at home, scheduled for a 3pm Saturday kick-off.