Arsenal set to seal £11m deal for Villarreal’s Gabriel Paulista

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/24/arsenal-villarreal-gabriel-paulista-joel-campbell

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Villarreal have announced they have reached agreement in principle with Arsenal for the sale of the centre-back Gabriel Paulista, with the forward Joel Campbell heading to the Spanish club on loan for the rest of the season.

The La Liga side confirmed on Twitter that a deal had been agreed shortly before their Primera División match against Levante kicked off at the Estadio El Madrigal. “Transfer agreed in principle with Arsenal for Gabriel, who will bid farewell before the game. Much luck!” the club posted. “Welcome joel-campbell12! Agreement reached with Arsenal until the end of the season.”

Arsène Wenger had been cautiously optimistic on Thursday that a deal could be brokered. The club were said to be offering in the region of £10m to £11m, following add-ons to an initial down payment.

However, it was believed the move would need Home Office approval because the 24-year-old, who joined Villarreal in 2013 from the Salvador side Vitória, did not meet currently required international criteria for a work permit as he is yet to represent Brazil. As such, Arsenal could need to convince a Football Association hearing that the player is an “exceptional talent”.

Wenger admitted last week that it would be a gamble not to bring in a new defender this month. The north London side have regularly been left short of defensive cover this season with players such as Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy all suffering injuries, leaving Wenger with only six fit senior defenders at the club.

“So if we have another injury or two we will struggle. It is risky [not to sign anyone] – too risky,” the manager said.