Gabriel Magalhaes believes Arsenal are set to turn a corner this season after narrowly missing out on silverware in recent years.
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins nearly six years ago, Arsenal have seen significant progress, but they haven’t lifted a major trophy since their 2020 FA Cup triumph during his debut season in charge.
In the past three campaigns, the Gunners have consistently come close, finishing runners-up in the Premier League each year and falling just short in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup semi-finals last season, losing to PSG and Newcastle.
“We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers,” the 27-year-old told BBC Sport, adding, “I think this year will be different.
As the squad embarks on their pre-season tour of Asia with fixtures scheduled against AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, the focus is on making the necessary changes to finally bring home silverware.
One of the key issues last season was the number of injuries that disrupted the team’s attacking rhythm. Regular starters such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli all spent extended periods sidelined.
The situation was made worse when Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for a large chunk of the season with an ACL injury. With limited options up front, midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as a makeshift striker.
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He performed admirably – scoring seven times in 28 league appearances and netting a crucial goal in the Champions League win over Real Madrid – but it’s a situation Arteta will want to avoid repeating.
“I don’t think we can give excuses,” Gabriel added. “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.”
Arsenal have been active in the transfer window, making several signings ahead of their Premier League opener away at Manchester United on August 17.
So far, the club has brought in winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Deals are also in progress for striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Zubimendi, who turned heads during the Euro 2024 final for Spain, was a key target for multiple top clubs including Liverpool. Alongside him, Norgaard has arrived from Brentford, bringing experience to a midfield reshaped by the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Madueke offers depth and flexibility across the frontline, supporting Saka and competing with Martinelli for minutes.
“I think the players that came will help us out a lot,” said Gabriel. “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.
🗣️ Gabriel Magalhaes: “I don’t think we can make excuses. Over the past three years, we’ve done everything we could. We just lacked a bit of luck. But within the club, I truly believe we’re all convinced that we can win trophies — big trophies.” ❌ [@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/5txm98be6Q
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) July 20, 2025
“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.”
Gyokeres is expected to boost Arsenal’s goal tally following a remarkable 54-goal season with Sporting. Gabriel, who faced the Swede in last year’s Champions League clash, even mimicked his celebration in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Sporting.
“We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player,” Gabriel said when asked about the striker. “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.”
Now entering his sixth season in north London, Gabriel feels Arsenal are finally ready to take the final step.
“I’ve been at the club for five years now and I’ve seen how much the club has grown,” he said ahead of the club’s Asia tour. “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.”
