GABRIEL has committed to Arsenal until 2029 in a major boost to Mikel Arteta and his Premier League title ambitions.
The Brazilian centre-back has been in advanced talks over an extension for several months with his previous deal expiring in the summer of 2027.
One of the main priorities of new sporting director Andrea Berta was to tie down key first-team stars to long-term contracts.
And the Italian has already got one over the line with Gabriel taking home north of £100,000-a-week.
More new deals are expected to follow in the coming weeks, including Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and William Saliba – as the latter is eyed up by Real Madrid.
It also puts to bed any doubts over Gabriel’s future – having been linked with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia that could have seen him treble his weekly earnings.
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The 27-year-old teased Gunners fans with an Instagram post on the Emirates pitch yesterday evening.
On his new deal, Gabriel said: “I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I’m so happy and I’ve learned a lot.
“I’m so proud of myself, it’s an amazing journey, and I’m so happy to continue it.
“I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too.
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“Arsenal is an amazing club and I’m so proud to sign a new contract.
“I love this club, I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium.
“I’m so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future.”
Since signing for the North Londoners from French side Lille in September 2020, Gabriel has become one of Arteta’s most important figures, forming a world-class partnership with Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
He has missed just 15 Prem games since the start of the 2021/22 campaign – ten of which came last term – and has netted 17 league goals in that time during Arsenal’s era of set-piece dominance, more than any other defender.
A hamstring injury in April ended Gabriel’s season early, requiring surgery that sees him currently in rehab in a bid to be fit for the start of Arsenal’s pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
