Arsenal will be so excited by what Gabriel Magalhaes just said on international duty

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes addressed the media ahead of Brazil’s clash with Bolivia.

The centre-back was called up to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the September international break alongside Gabriel Martinelli. 

It’s a relief for the 27-year-old, considering that Gabriel only underwent surgery in April to repair a hamstring tear. 

Very few would realise that the Brazilian had recently recovered from surgery, in what has been a monstrous start to the season from one of Arsenal’s most consistent players. 

Gabriel Magalhaes admits he’s not reached his full level yet

Gabriel is a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, rising alongside William Saliba to form one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football.

Though the Brazil international’s excellence is recognised week upon week, the player himself has stressed that there’s plenty more to come.

Speaking in Brazil’s pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bolivia, Gabriel insisted that he’s yet to reach his peak level.  

“When you talk about the Brazilian national team, you have to work every day, work within your club, so you can get here in good shape. So, I know I’m doing very well, I know the level I can still reach,” he said, as transcribed by ESPN. 

Like every player on international duty, full focus is on the 2026 World Cup, with Gabriel believing that he still has a lot to prove ahead of the tournament.

“I’m coming back from an injury, but I feel good and ready. And to get to the World Cup, there are still nine months to go, so I still have a lot to prove to be there. I’m confident in myself. I’ll have to maintain the level and keep working.”

The centre-back’s words only reinforce what’s still to come from Gabriel at domestic level, where he’ll be desperate to keep improving to maintain Ancelotti’s trust. 

Gabriel’s market value has rocketed since joining Arsenal

There are few players as nailed on to be a starter at Arsenal than Gabriel, who has proven himself to be a quality acquisition since he signed for the Gunners in 2020.

A lot has changed since then, as the sometimes erratic centre-back has become one of the world’s best and part of the spine of Arteta’s squad. 

It’s not only on the pitch that Gabriel’s progression is noticeable, but in the transfer market too, as the Brazilian’s market value has rocketed since he made the switch to Arsenal. 

As per Transfermarkt, Gabriel’s market value was €28m when he signed for Arsenal in 2020, a figure that has since risen to €75m. 

His market value ranks him among the most valuable centre-backs in the world, with only Saliba, Pau Cubarsi and Alessandro Bastoni boasting a higher value.

Arsenal struck gold with Gabriel, and with the best yet to come, there’s no limit to where the 27-year-old’s presence could take the Gunners.