Arsenal have been proactive over handing out new contracts to their best players, and another fresh deal could be on the horizon.
The likes of Martin Odegaard and William Saliba signed fresh terms last summer to commit their futures to the club, and recently Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu followed suit.
This long list of extensions began when defender Gabriel Magalhaes signed a long-term deal in October 2022, but it now appears that Arsenal want to hand him fresh terms again, despite there not being an urgent need to enter contract negotiations, and talks may begin at the end of the season.
It has now emerged why Edu Gaspar and the club deem it necessary to hand the 26-year-old a new deal so soon after signing his previous one.
Charles Watts explains why Arsenal are in talks over Gabriel Magalhaes contract
In his column for CaughtOffside, journalist Charles Watts explained why Arsenal made the decision to start negotiations soon with Gabriel over a new contract.
“Edu has done superb work in ensuring that Arsenal’s talented young squad are all tied down to long-term deals, it’s something he sees as essential,” he explained.
“It’s not just about protecting the club either. Yes, Arsenal want to know that their best talent are secured to long-term deals, but Edu is very big on ensuring players are rewarded for their performances and paid what they are worth. And in Gabriel, Arsenal have one of the very best defenders in the league.
“He only signed his last deal a couple of years ago, so there is no rush in terms of how long he has left, but in those two years since signing he has developed into one of the best centre-backs around.”
Gabriel Magalhaes deserves new Arsenal contract
The Brazilian has been magnificent all year, and has arguably been second only to Declan Rice in contention for Arsenal’s Player of the Season award.
Rice has described Gabriel as “strong” and “aggressive,” and the defender has been key in helping Arsenal build the best defence in the Premier League.
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Gabriel has arguably been better than Saliba this season, and a new contract could bring him in line with the club’s top earners, but as one of Mikel Arteta’s earliest signings, his new deal will reflect his continually increasing importance to the side.
