Arsenal FC target Gabriel Paulista’s move to the London club is all but done, suggest reports.
The central defender is travelling to London presumably to complete the paperwork and a medical.
The Brazilian was left out of the Villarreal squad for the La Liga clash with Levante.
Paulista joined Villareal in 2013 when he signed from Brazilian outfit VitA?ria, where he started his footballing career.
Arsene Wenger confirmed media reports that Arsenal were in talks with Paulista over a possible transfer. He said, a We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough. If the price is right, we will pay. The talks are progressing quite well. Can we find an agreement or not? Therea s a chance.a
Arsenal are expecting to win a work permit to wrap up the transfer quickly.
Paulista has talked about his own style of play and strengths so here is what Arsenal fans can expect:
“It’s difficult to speak about yourself but people around me say I’m really quick and good in the air. They also say I have a really good capacity to recover, both on and off the pitch. But I still want to grow. I can still improve a lot.”
Arsenal need defensive reinforcements as they look to challenge for some silverware and finish the season on a high. Full-backs Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal have both filled in at centre-back. Meanwhile Calum Chambers is more suited as a right back, than centrally. Summer signing Matheiu Debuchy has suffered his second serious injury since joining the club and is expected to be out for another three months after surgery on his right shoulder. Gabriel would be a good cover for the first choice pair Mertesacker and Koscielny, but has the potential to become a first choice player for Wenger.