Gabriel Magalhaes committed to Arsenal amid Juventus links

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has shrugged off reports linking him with a move away from the club.

The Brazilian defender was a mainstay for the Gunners last season as he topped the charts for minutes played, successful tackles and completed passes from the back in 2021/22.

Gabriel’s on-field success has, as a consequence, alerted the likes of Juventus and Barcelona, seemingly keen to prize the 24-year-old away from North London.

The Arsenal man has now revealed he’s solely focused on the season ahead with Arsenal, however, as he moved to extinguish any lingering rumours.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this weekend’s home fixture versus Leicester City, Gabriel stated that he was proud to be linked with other clubs, but also devoted to the project at hand.

“It's always nice to get that recognition but I'm really focused on Arsenal," the ex-Lille defender said.

"I am very happy here.

"I've got a good relationship with my team-mates and I am fully committed to the project.

"I am convinced that, with the project we have, we can achieve a lot."

Gabriel also spoke on his evolution as a player since arriving in England and the effect Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff have had on his game.

"I think the Premier League is definitely one of the toughest leagues to play in and I would say I have definitely improved a lot since arriving here," the Brazilian said. 

"That goes for my passing, my heading and various other aspects of my game. I think the coaches have helped me a lot,"

"The first year was a bit tougher, in terms of settling in," Gabriel went on to reveal.

"That doesn't mean the second year was easy, but it was certainly better.

"My English had improved by then and I was able to communicate better with my team-mates on the pitch."

Gabriel joined Arsenal back in the summer of 2020 from Ligue 1 outfit Lille for a £23.5 million fee.

Since arriving, the centre back has made 71 appearances in the red and white of Arsenal under Arteta’s tutelage.

Arsenal and Gabriel will be hoping the defender can continue his improvement, along with his young team-mates.