Arsenal have opened preliminary talks with Gabriel Magalhaes over an improved contract following his excellent performances in the heart of Mikel Arteta's this season.

The Brazil international, who has emerged as one of the leaders of the Gunners title charge, only signed a new contract in October 2022 - but the club have moved to reward him with fresh terms.

The 26-year-old still has over two years left on his deal so there is no urgency to bring a swift resolution to talks with the player fully focused on the team's charge of title climax.

But initial discussions have been described as positive and will continue in the coming weeks.

There was some doubt over Magalhaes' future at Arsenal at the start of season after starting the campaign on the peripheries of the first-team amid interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Arsenal have held positive contract talks with defender Gabriel Magalhaes over an improved deal

But since the summer transfer window closed, the centre-back has become a regular in the team - forming one half of a formidable central defensive partnership alongside William Saliba.

The Gunners have successfully renewed the contracts of a host of their key players in recent months; Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu among those who have signed new deals.