I am so sure you have heard already but if you haven’t, let me tell you.
Its OFFICIAL, Paulista’s a Gooner!!!
At least we didn’t have to wait till Friday like I anticipated. Paulista’s a Gooner.. Whoop Whoop!
Okay, let me go back to being formal about this…
Arsenal has strengthened its depleted defensive options by signing Brazilian defender Gabriel from Villarreal, with Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell joining the Spanish club on loan as part of the deal.
As usual, financial terms weren’t disclosed and even though they have put undisclosed fee for this, Arsenal is reportedly paying 15 million pounds ($22.75 million) for Gabriel, who has been granted a work permit, and is awaiting international clearance.
The 24-year-old Gabriel can also play as a full back on either side, with his versatility set to be crucial as Arsenal has been beset with injuries to defenders.
Gabriel Paulista will provide much-needed competition and cover for centre backs Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal says Campbell has agreed on a “new long-term deal prior to a loan move” to Villarreal for the rest of the season. Amen to that.
Primarily a centre back, 6ft 1in Gabriel (full name Gabriel Armando de Abreu) can also play at left back or right back. This season the 24-year-old was ever present in the Villarreal side that conceded just 17 goals in their first 19 La Liga matches and has gone 18 games unbeaten.
He began his career with Esporte Clube Vitória in Brazil, making his debut aged 19 before going on to feature more than 130 times for the Salvador club.
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.”
With rumours surfacing that Gabriel would be thrown into the team for the Villa game, I can’t say how much I’m buzzing to see him play, but of course, he would need some time to play with his new teammates before starting a game. Two days should be enough,yeah??
Gabriel’s squad number will be revealed soon through Arsenal’s official Instagram account @Arsenal. View Gabriel Paulista’s club photos at Arsenal here.
Everyone at MisterSpruce welcomes Gabriel to the club and wish Joel a successful loan spell in Spain. Bienvenida!
