After being the subject of some Arsenal transfer rumours in recent weeks, the Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista, who is currently starring for La Liga club Villareal, spoke out to welcome the interest from the Gunners. The 24-year old said that the whole thing was being handled by his agent, but he made no secret of wanting the transfer to happen, as a report in The Telegraph reveals.
Paulista said, “If I go to Arsenal it will be excellent. But if it’s not finalised then I am relaxed. I am focused on my work here.
“My agent is working on making sure I continue being calm. Playing in the Premier League is one of my dreams. I have spoken to my agent about this.”
We have all seen this sort of thing and it does not always mean that there is concrete interest from Arsene Wenger. However, the Villareal manager Marcelino has been speaking in his pre-match press conference for the Copa Del Rey clash with Getafe and he confirmed the interest. As reported by ESPN, he also refused to criticise his centre back for that statement and suggested that it was just a matter of agreeing the terms of the transfer between the clubs.
The coach said, “I was not upset at what Gabriel said. Any player can give an opinion. That is his way of thinking and acting, he is a tremendous kid and an exemplary professional. He has his head here, and wants to keep showing his worth here.
“On a sporting level I would prefer him to stay, but you must look at what the player thinks and what is the possible offer, which might be impossible for the club to turn down.”
But that does not mean the deal is done. It seems that Villareal want something close to Paulista’s buy out clause of 20 million euros, while Wenger has apparently offered around £6 million. And that is not the only issue, as there is a concern that the defender might have to wait for a work permit to play in the Premier League as he is yet to ber capped for the Brazil international side.
So it seems clear that there is real interest from Arsenal but plenty of complications. Typical Gunners eh?