The emergence of the player regarded as Arsenal's best

As evaluated by Arsenal Insider, Gabriel Magalhães rather than Declan Rice stands out as Mikel Arteta’s finest acquisition due to his impact and value surpassing all predictions.

According to the assessment of Arsenal Insider, Gabriel Magalhães, not Declan Rice, is considered the best signing Mikel Arteta has made since taking charge of the “Gunners.” The Brazilian center-back, acquired for just £27 million, is viewed as the foundation upon which Arteta has rebuilt a solid defense and shaped a new identity for Arsenal.

Since being appointed to replace Unai Emery in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has undergone over four years of rebuilding Arsenal, completing a total of 42 signings including loans and permanent deals. Among them, Declan Rice, a £100 million newcomer, attracted the most attention. However, according to Arsenal Insider, when considering value, influence, and actual contribution, no one surpasses Gabriel Magalhães.

Joining Arsenal from Lille in the summer of 2020, Gabriel was not a big star at that time. Nevertheless, he quickly proved his worth with an impressive debut against Fulham, where the Brazilian defender scored the opening goal of his Premier League journey. Since then, Gabriel has continuously developed and is now regarded as one of the world’s leading center-backs.

According to Arsenal Insider, Gabriel’s excellence is not only in defense. He also inspires and plays a crucial role in the growth of William Saliba, his ideal defensive partner. This duo is currently seen as Arsenal’s “steel wall” and forms the backbone enabling Arteta’s team to compete head-to-head with Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

With a fee of only £27 million, Arsenal Insider states this is one of the “best bargains in the club’s history.” Compared to Declan Rice’s £100 million signing in 2023, Gabriel clearly delivers superior value for money.

Not only showing consistent performance, Gabriel also demonstrates high dedication and discipline. He has rejected many attractive offers, including interest from Saudi Arabia, to remain committed to Arsenal. This past summer, the Brazilian signed a long-term contract extension, pledging to stay during the peak years of his career.

Arsenal Insider comments: “Gabriel is not only a top center-back but also a symbol of Mikel Arteta’s philosophy: strong, steadfast, and humble. He exemplifies how Arteta identifies hidden value and transforms a lesser-known player into a cornerstone of a leading European club.”

If he maintains his form and helps Arsenal win major trophies, Gabriel Magalhães could undoubtedly become a legend at the Emirates, a true legacy of the Mikel Arteta era.