Arsenal defender Gabriel signs new long-term contract

LONDON AP Arsenal center back Gabriel Magalhaes signed a new long-term deal Friday that will reportedly keep the Brazil international at the club until Gabriel missed the last two months of the season with a hamstring injury but has formed a formidable partnership with France international William Saliba to anchor an Arsenal defense that has been the best in the Premier League I arrived here as a young athlete and after almost five years I m so happy and I ve learned a lot Gabriel explained I m so proud of myself it s an amazing journey and I m so happy to continue it The -year-old defender joined the Gunners in from French club Lille and has played games in all competitions He has scored goals for Arsenal becoming a major threat at corners and other set pieces Gabriel was handed an extension even though his previous contract did not expire until signaling his importance to coach Mikel Arteta Arsenal did not confirm the length of the contract but British media announced it was a four-year deal With Gabriel in the defensive line Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the last two seasons in the Premier League The deal comes after Arsenal finished second in the English league for the third straight year AP soccer https apnews com hub soccer Source