Arsenal open contract talks to ward off Barcelona and Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Arsenal have reportedly opened contract negotiations with centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, aiming to secure the Brazilian defender’s long-term future amid growing interest from European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Since joining Arsenal from Lille in 2020 for a fee of £27 million, Gabriel has established himself as a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup.

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes poses on the red carpet upon arrival for the 2023-2024 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards, at the Opera House, in Manchester, northern England, on August 20, 2024. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite his current contract running until 2027, Arsenal are reportedly looking to improve the terms of his deal in light of his consistent performances and the interest from elite clubs.

Gabriel has been a key figure in the Gunners’ defensive success, helping to stabilise a backline that has been integral to their ever-improving Premier League points tally.

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes walks on the pitch during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 31, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s interest in extending Gabriel’s contract stems from the growing attention he is receiving from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Both clubs are reportedly monitoring the player closely, with an eye on strengthening their defensive lines.

Arsenal, however, are determined to keep their star centre-back at the Emirates.

The Gunners are seeking to secure the future of the 26-year-old, recognising that his development has made him one of the standout defenders in the league.

Gabriel’s importance to Arteta’s project is undisputed, and the club hopes to resolve the contract talks before the end of the calendar year.

Brazil’s defender Gabriel Magalhaes controls the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Ecuador, at the Major Antônio Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba, Brazil, on September 6, 2024. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

While Gabriel remains under contract for another three years, Arsenal are aware of the need to protect their key assets from European clubs that could present lucrative offers.

Barcelona, looking to strengthen their squad, and Bayern Munich, aiming to add depth to their defence, both see Gabriel as a potential target.

Although there has been no formal offer, the interest from these clubs has reportedly made Arsenal’s board anxious to finalise a new contract for Gabriel, one that reflects his importance to the team and discourages any future bids.

That, of course, would be reflected in a substantial payrise for the defender and it is hard to argue it isn’t warranted. Gabriel currently earns £100,000-per-week, almost half of what William Saliba (£190,000) receives and less than Oleksandr Zinchenko (£150,000), Ben White (£150,000), Riccardo Calafiori (£120,000), and Kieran Tierney (£110,000) when you look at defenders in Arsenal’s squad.