Gabriel believes things will be different next season after letting titles slip
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 20.07.25. | 22:57
Arsenal's defender has an interesting view on the previous, but also about the upcoming Premier League campaign
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes thinks this season "will be different" for the Gunners after admitting they have "let a couple of titles slip through fingers" in recent years.
The Gunners have finished as the runners-up in the Premier League for three years and were eliminated in the semi-finals of both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last season.
They've been trophyless since 2020.
"I don't think we can give excuses," Gabriel 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.
"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."
Arsenal has already signed several new players in the ongoing transfer window, including winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
They are also close to securing moves for striker Viktor Gyokeres and young defender Cristhian Mosquera.
"I think the players that came will help us out a lot," Gabriel added.
"The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager. They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.
"The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players.
"Definitely, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players."
Gabriel not only played against Gyokeres, but also his mimick went viral after he sarcastically recreated Gyokeres' celebration in Arsenal's 5-0 win over Sporting in November in the Champions League.
"We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player, not an Arsenal player," Gabriel said.
"Playing against him last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season. About the celebration, it is something I can't talk about right now."
Still, the Brazilian defender seems confident enough to talk about title ambitions in the next season.
"I've been at the club for five years now and I've seen how much the club has grown" added Gabriel, who was speaking before the club's pre-season tour.
The Gunners will play AC Milan on 23 July and Newcastle on 27 July in the Singapore Festival of Football, before the maiden Premier League game of the season against Manchester United on Sunday, 17 August.
"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.
"We almost won, but I think this year, things will be different. I have a lot of faith in that," he concluded.
