Gabriel Magalhaes has spoken out about the speculation around his future at Arsenal over the summer, admitting it was tough on him.

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Lens’ Przemyslaw Frankowski (L) is challenged by Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Arsenal and RC Lens at the Arsenal Stadium in north London on November 29, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Gabriel Magalhaes is a popular figure at Arsenal at the moment, having just been voted the club’s Player of the Month alongside nominations for Premier League and PFA Player of the Month as well.

The centre-back has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions, and it’s easy to forget there was ever a time when things didn’t look quite so rosy for him under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal started the season with Gabriel sitting on the bench for the first three Premier League games, only coming on for 24 minutes across those three fixtures.

At the time, the transfer window was open, and reports suggested clubs in Saudi Arabia wanted to bring the defender in.

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Arsenal's Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 23, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 23, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Yet Arsenal stood firm, deciding they would hold onto the Brazilian international at all costs. Gabriel reflected on that period in an interview with the Independent this week.

“It was tough, obviously at the start. I wanted to play and it was very difficult for me but I understood what the coach had to do,” Gabriel said.

“It is difficult for any player to not be in the team but now I’m back in I want to keep on working hard to prove my worth.

“He (Arteta) spoke to me and obviously explained the reasons behind the decision.

“Why I should stay – but the most important thing was to remain focused and concentrate – he knew how important I was to the team, so I’m happy to be back and to be able to help the team in every game.”

Arsenal's Brazilian defender #06 Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 23, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 23, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

After some convincing from the Arsenal manager, the transfer window closed and Gabriel returned to the starting lineup.

He’s since played every minute of the Gunners’ Champions League campaign, and started all but one of their Premier League fixtures.

Gabriel even started and played 90 minutes in all of Arsenal’s cup matches, meaning he’s only failed to start one match in all competitions since the start of September.

You’d imagine there’s little doubt about the 26-year-old’s importance to his current club right now.

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