Gabriel says Arsenal is ready to break the trophy drought after years of mistakes
Gabriel Magalhaes believes Arsenal will make a turn this season after nearly missing silverware in recent years.
Arsenal has made significant progress since Mikel Arteta regained the Ins ropes about six years ago, but they haven’t lifted the big trophy since his debut season in 2020.
The Gunners have been approaching in the last three campaigns, finishing second in the Premier League every year and falling underperformed in the Champions League and Calaba Cup semi-finals last season, losing to PSG and Newcastle.
The 27-year-old told BBC Sport: “We let several titles slide across our fingers and I think this year will be different.
As the team set out on the pre-season tour of Asia, the car was scheduled to be held in Singapore against AC Milan and Newcastle, with the focus on making the necessary changes to eventually bring the silverware home.
One of the key issues last season was the amount of damage that ruined the team’s offensive rhythm. Regular starters like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli all took a long time.
Things got worse when Gabriel Jesus was excluded from ACL injury for most of the season. In terms of limited options, midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as a temporary striker.
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He performed well – scoring seven in 28 league appearances and scored a key goal in the Champions League defeat of Real Madrid – but that’s what Arteta wants to avoid duplication.
“I don’t think we can make excuses,” Gabriel added. “In the past three years, we have done everything we can.
Arsenal is active in the transfer window, making several signings ahead of the Premier League opening at Manchester United on August 17.
So far, the club has introduced winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Forward Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera are also trading.
Zubimendi, who turned around in Spain’s 2024 European Cup final, is a key target for several top clubs, including Liverpool. Norgaard arrived with him from Brentford, bringing midfield experience leaving by Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Madueke offers depth and flexibility on the frontline, supporting Saka and competing with Martinelli for a few minutes.
“I think the players coming will be a big help to us,” Gabriel said. “The club is doing the best things for the players and managers. They will certainly try to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do on the court.
🗣️Gabriel Magalhaes: “I don’t think we can make excuses. Over the past three years, we have done everything we can. We just lack a little bit of luck. But within the club, I really believe we all believe we can win the trophy – the big trophy.” ❌ [@TheAthleticFC] pic.twitter.com/5txm98be6q
– Daily AFC (@dailyafc) July 20, 2025
“The players here are doing this. We are strong and these new players are getting stronger.
“Of course, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To controversy, you have to have the best players.”
After a remarkable 54-goal season, Gyokeres is expected to improve Arsenal’s goal statistics. Gabriel faced the Swede in last year’s Champions League clash, even imitating his celebrations in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over sporting.
“We all know he’s a great player, but he’s a sports player and not an Arsenal player,” Gabriel said when asked about the striker. “It was a challenge last year against him. He was great and had a good performance. Regarding the celebration, it’s something I can’t talk about right now.”
Now entering its sixth season in north London, Gabriel feels Arsenal is finally ready to take the final step.
“I’ve been at the club for five years and I’ve seen the club grow,” he said before the club’s Asian tour. “I’m winning big titles here and I do believe this season will be different. We’ve recently let several titles slide across our fingers.
“We almost won, but I think things will be different this year. I have a lot of confidence in that.”
