Gabriel Magalhaes is optimistic that this season will mark a turning point for Arsenal, acknowledging past disappointments in securing titles.
Under Mikel Arteta's stewardship, Arsenal has undergone significant transformation over the past six years. However, since clinching the FA Cup in 2020, the team has not added any major trophies to their cabinet.
For the past three seasons, Arsenal has consistently finished as runners-up in the Premier League and suffered semi-final exits in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup last season, losing to Paris St-Germain and Newcastle, respectively.
As Arsenal embarks on their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong, BBC Sport examines the necessary changes to secure a trophy for the first time in five years.
The Need to Avoid Lengthy Lay-offs
Last season saw key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined for extended periods, disrupting Arsenal's attacking momentum.
Striker Gabriel Jesus was also absent for a significant part of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Consequently, midfielder Mikel Merino had to step in as a makeshift centre-forward.
Despite this, Merino impressed by scoring seven goals in 28 Premier League matches, including a crucial goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Arteta, however, aims to avoid such situations this season.
There were silver linings, as the injuries allowed academy talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to step up to the first team. Lewis-Skelly has since debuted for England and secured a long-term contract, while Nwaneri is on the verge of doing the same after scoring nine goals in 37 appearances.
"We cannot make excuses," Gabriel, 27, told BBC Sport. "We've done everything possible over the past three years. We've had some bad luck, but we believe we can win major titles. We are focused on our manager's guidance and improving. I think this year will be different."
Signing 'Great Players' Like Gyokeres
Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, with several new players set to join the squad as they kick off the Premier League season against Manchester United on Sunday, August 17.
The Gunners have already secured winger Noni Madueke, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Efforts are underway to finalize deals for striker Viktor Gyokeres and young defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Zubimendi, highly regarded as a defensive midfielder, was pursued by Premier League champions Liverpool last season and played a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 final victory over England.
Norgaard, acquired from Brentford, brings experience following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Madueke is expected to provide support for Saka and compete with Martinelli, while continuing his development.
"The new players will greatly assist us," Gabriel remarked. "The club is making the right decisions for the players and the manager, focusing on bringing in top talents. We are strengthening with these additions and aim to compete for titles with the best players."
Arsenal anticipates Gyokeres' arrival from Sporting to bolster their attack, as the Swede netted 54 goals in 52 games last season. Gabriel, having faced Gyokeres, replicated the forward's celebration during Arsenal's 5-0 win over Sporting in the Champions League.
"Gyokeres is a fantastic player, but currently with Sporting," Gabriel commented. "Facing him last year was challenging. Regarding the celebration, that's something I can't discuss now."
The Desire to 'Win Big Titles'
Gabriel missed the final weeks of last season due to a hamstring injury in April, undergoing surgery to resolve the issue. He is now focused on regaining fitness for the start of the season.
The Brazilian has committed to Arsenal until 2029 and dismissed speculation about a move to Saudi Arabia.
There is a sense of readiness at Arsenal, with the club publicly expressing confidence in their ability to secure a trophy.
"I've been with the club for five years and witnessed its growth," Gabriel shared before Arsenal's pre-season tour, where they will face AC Milan on July 23 and Newcastle on July 27 in the Singapore Festival of Football.
"I'm here to win big titles, and I believe this season will be different. We've let some titles slip away, but I have faith that this year will be different."
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