Gabriel Magalhaes says 'this year will be different' for Arsenal in Premier League title tilt - 'I don't think we can give excuses'
By Jonny Bray
Published 20/07/2025 at 17:46 GMT+1
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Arsenal and Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes says his side can end their long wait for a Premier League title this season. The Gunners have not lifted the Premier League trophy since their unbeaten 2003/04 campaign. Mikel Arteta's side have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window. They have signed Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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Gabriel Magalhaes believes the 2025/26 season will be different for Arsenal as they look to end their long wait to win a Premier League title.
The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in their last three campaigns and have not claimed the top spot since they lifted the trophy during an unbeaten campaign in 2003/04.
Gabriel has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s project in north London, helping the Spaniard transform the club from perennial underachievers to genuine title contenders.
However, the defender believes his side are running out of excuses in their bid to win a first major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 2020.
"I don't think we can give excuses," he told BBC Sport.
"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.
"We're focused on what our manager is telling us to do, and what we have to do, and what we have to improve.
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"I think this year will be different. I've been at the club for five years now and I've seen how much the club has grown.
"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."
Arsenal have had a busy summer transfer window in an attempt to close the gap between themselves and Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Gunners have signed Martin Zubimendi from Spanish side Real Sociedad, Christian Norgaard from Brentford, as well as Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Gabriel believes that Arsenal’s new signings can help take the side to the next level.
"I think the players that came will help us out a lot," he said.
"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.
"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."
The north Londoners have also been linked with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Gabriel replicated the striker’s iconic celebration after scoring against the Portuguese giants during a 5-1 win in last season’s UEFA Champions League.
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The defender was full of praise for Gyokeres but was keen to stress that he is still a Sporting player.
"We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player," he added.
"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."
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