Mikel Arteta reveals what he told Gabriel Magalhaes amid Saudi Arabia links

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he has spoken to Gabriel Magalhaes about his recent benching and assured the Brazilian defender that he will play a lot of games this season.

Gabriel has been left out of the starting XI for the first two games of the Premier League season, with Ben White and Rob Holding preferred in the centre-back positions. However, Arteta insists that Gabriel is still an important part of his plans and will get plenty of opportunities to play.

"It is difficult for him, yes, but we have to focus on what is now and what is ahead and how we're going to evolve that," Arteta said. "There will be different relationships. Gabby will play a lot of games, I'm sure. It's about bringing the competition high and trying to make the team play better, better, better and win more games. That's the purpose of all of us."

Arteta also explained that he has spoken to Gabriel about the reasons for his benching.

"Of course I have explained to him why he's not in the team," Arteta said. "Especially someone who has played a lot of minutes and games with us in the last year. I told him. He understands the reasons.

"Whether he agrees with it is something different. But the best way to do it is when you play, just tell me how blind and wrong I am."

Gabriel will be hoping to get back into the Arsenal starting XI for their upcoming clash against Fulham. The Brazilian defender will be determined to prove to Arteta that he is worthy of a place in the team.