Gabriel Signing Officially Announced

Arsenal.com have just officially announced the signing of Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee with Joel Campbell moving to Villarreal on loan having signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal.

The club were successful in obtaining a work permit for the versatile Brazilian which was not guaranteed as Gabriel is yet to play for his national team.

Gabriel, who is expected to wear the number 5 shirt vacated by Thomas Vermaelen, can play anywhere across the backline and has earned rave reviews from admiring eyes across Europe for his defensive displays for Villarreal who conceded just 17 times in their opening 19 La Liga matches and are on an 18 match unbeaten spree.

Arsenal's game over the past few years has been built around versatile players who can adapt to changing formations and new positions when the need arises which given the Gunners' injury issues, especially this season, has been gratefully received. The only position Arsenal have struggled to find versatility for, in large due to limited numbers, is centre-back.

The Arsenal have been crying out for an 'Ivanovic' type player who can comfortably slot in anywhere across the backline and in Gabriel they seem to have landed their man. Tall, strong, pacey and with a high successful pass rate for Villarreal, Gabriel looks the perfect signing to fill that 'Ivanovic' requirement and then some. Villarreal-based journalist Javi Mata told The Independent he believes Gabriel to currently be playing at 60% of his potential and he expects him to develop into a world-class player under Wenger.

Wenger can certainly spot a player - even defenders - and if we have another Koscielny on our hands we'll be truly blessed. Gabriel had this to say to Arsenal.com upon the announcement of his arrival:

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.

The fans will certainly welcome a player who will give his all and as Alexis has demonstrated this season, if you give 100% in every match even when you're not at your best the crowd will love you for it.

Welcome to Arsenal Gabriel.

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