Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has provided what he had promised to the fans, that is diving into the January transfer market and signing a center-back to help strengthen their frail defense.
The Gunners have been light in this department this season, with their only three recognized center-backs Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, and Calum Chambers suffering numerous injuries and suspensions throughout this term.
The club are in dire need of defenders, and with their back line unable to reach the heights of last season, disappointing and crumbling when most needed, a talented defender is most warranted.
Wenger has struck a preliminary £15m deal for Brazilian center-back Gabriel Paulista, as confirmed by La Liga side Villarreal. The long-serving French manager will now look to welcome him to the Emirates in time to stage a push for a top-four finish, with the English Premier League club currently sitting outside the Champions League spot in fifth place.
@Arsenal and Villarreal come to a preliminary agreement for the transfer of Gabriel. Best of luck and farewell! pic.twitter.com/mZkGrOgyan
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) January 24, 2015
Gabriel Paulista waving farewell to El Madrigal
This is great #Gabriel pic.twitter.com/xWGHxwtLjn
— Callum (@PunkAxelLesnar) January 24, 2015
Paulista is already being hyped as an excellent capture by Le Prof, and the stats do little to contradict that. He has the second most interceptions in La Liga, with 66, registering an average of 3.5 per game. With 4.5 clearances per game, the Brazilian has played an integral role in Villarreal's impressive 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Most interceptions in La Liga 14/15: Gabriel Paulista second with 66. pic.twitter.com/pbyi1zDxZK
— Arsenal (@ArsenalsRelated) January 24, 2015
New signing Gabriel Paulista stats this season in La Liga [@WhoScored] #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/hFh880Y3rQ
— CÖME ÖN ARSENAL (@davidhickman14) January 24, 2015
However, one stumbling block that may stand in Arsenal's way is the issue of whether the north London side can secure the 24-year-old a work permit in England. The rules state that any player without an EU passport in order to qualify must represent an international team ranked within Fifa’s top 70 and have played 75% of that side’s matches in the previous two years.
Wenger and the Arsenal board are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be able to convince the panel that Paulista is an “exceptional talent”, which will in turn make him eligible for a work permit.
Furthermore, in a tweet composed by Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, he claims that the FA Cup holders are confident in securing a work permit for the Brazilian.
More detail re. Gabriel. A more accurate rate exchange, he cost £14.1. Work permit practically sorted. Campbell €1m loan (Moyes wanted him)
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 24, 2015