Gabriel Paulista to Arsenal: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Villarreal to sign long-rumoured centre-back target Gabriel Paulista from the La Liga side, with Gunners forward Joel Campbell set to move the other way. 

Continue for updates.

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Arsenal Announce Paulista Signing

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Arsenal announced the signing of Gabriel Paulista on Wednesday: 

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Arsenal have signed Brazilian defender Gabriel from Villarreal, with Joel Campbell agreeing a new long-term deal prior to a loan move to the La Liga side.

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Gabriel talked about joining the Gunners in the announcement:

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Gabriel said: “I came from a club that is not that big in Brazilian football. I went to Spanish football and that was another dream come true, to play in Europe. A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it. I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying.

“I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important. I care more about helping the team and my team-mates. I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things.”

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Paulista Work Permit Secured

Monday, Jan. 26

Concerns surrounding Arsenal obtaining a work permit for Paulista seem to have been abated, with Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph confirming the defender has been given the blessing of the home office:

Earlier in the day, former Newcastle United defender Marcelino questioned whether Paulista possesses the quality needed to succeed in the Premier League, reported by Sky Sports (h/t Jack Watson of Squawka):

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My question mark would be on whether he’s a real top defender in the world and Europe and I don’t think he’s that level. We will have to see what they are paying for him and what sort of needs they have at this moment because if they need a player, maybe he’s the one that he can buy.

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Marcelino suggested Arsene Wenger may have few other choices, however: "Depending on how much you need that player. Sometimes you are in need, you pay over the odds and you are forced to buy the only one who is available."

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Paulista a Done Deal

Saturday, Jan. 24

News of Paulista's switch to Arsenal was reported by ESPN FC: 

According to Nick Wright of London24 Sport, Paulista has already obtained his work permit.

While exact details of the deal haven't been released, Jamie Sanderson of Metro reported that the Gunners paid £13.4 million to land the defender. 

As BBC Sport reports, Arsenal will still have to secure a work permit for Paulista before the signing can be finalised, but an agreement has been reached between the two clubs.

Paulista had recently admitted his dream was to play in the Premier League, per The Guardian's David Hynter and Sid Lowe: 

"Playing in the Premier League is one of my dreams. I have spoken to my agent about this."

He moved to Villarreal from Vitoria for £2.5 million in August 2013, signing a five-year deal, and he has since become a key part of the La Liga side's first team.

Paulista has appeared 19 times in the Spanish top flight so far this season, per WhoScored.com, for a Villarreal side who now sit sixth having gone unbeaten since Nov. 2.

The 24-year-old has yet to be capped at any level internationally by Brazil, despite his performances for the Yellow Submarine surely warranting a call up, per WhoScored's Ben McAleer:

Pualista is a terrific reader of the game from the centre of defence—topping La Liga's interception stats this season per Squawka—and he would be an asset in any defensive line:

Considering the scarcity of high-quality centre-backs available in Europe at present, Arsenal have made a fine move in bagging a player likely to improve ever further with greater experience.