Five things Arsenal fans need to know about their £15-million rated transfer target
It seems Arsenal have finally put the finishing touches on a deal for Gabriel Paulista with the player set for a medical and an official unveiling soon. The Metro reported that Arsenal have agreed a £13.4million fee with the player now set for a medical, and Arsenal’s centre back problems could finally be coming to an end. Before you get too excited though, here are five things you should know about him. For those who are not familiar with the player, this slideshow will be particularly useful to get acquainted with our new boy, and perhaps start thinking about his song. Okay maybe too soon for that, but he will be a good signing for Arsenal and new signings are always a joyous occasion.
Wenger hinted that Paulista may not be his last signing this month, saying “not necessarily” when asked (if Paulista would his last signing this month) and gooners everywhere will be grinning from ear to ear at the news. Speaking of grinning, click on a younger and smiling Arsene down below to start the slideshow.
An impressively small number of goals to concede after half of the season gone. The “Yellow Submarine” has one of the sturdiest defenses in the league and Paulista is a massive part of that. His presence in that back line is crucial and is one of the reasons Villarreal have climbed the table in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in the last 15 league matches and much of that is due to a water tight back line.
You probably already figured out that he hasn’t featured much internationally since he is having work permit issues, but you would be surprised that Paulista has yet to feature at all for his country. Surprising given his talent and Brazil’s lack of pure centre backs.
Paulista is the ideal long term signing aged just 24. He is the perfect age to serve as a understudy while still also pushing for a place. He will learn a lot from Mertesacker and Koscielny while also leaving his own imprint with his experience.
Paulista possesses good height and physical presence and should adapt to the Premier League. He is one of the quicker centre backs there is, and much like Koscielny, uses his speed to recover and break up play.Very quick is Paulista and I don’t see many forward leaving him behind. Height is never a bad thing in England as well and we can use all the height we can get in our squad. He is good in the air and strong on the ground as well and won’t be bullied and should be physically capable of playing in the Premier League.
Paulista is a right footed centre half, but can also play at left back if needed. Versatility will get you far in any squad and we can always use a player who can plug many gaps. He of course will mainly be asked to play centre back. That is what Arsenal spent the money for.