Gabriel Paulista is wanted by La liga side Valencia, but would Arsenal be willing to part ways? The Brazilian defender joined the club from Villarreal in January 2015, but has failed to have the desired impact on the first-team squad.
Gabriel has picked up only 37 Premier League starts since making the switch, with many of those coming down to injuries from players ahead of him in the pecking order. The defender did start to impress in our new 3-4-2-1 formation last term, but we still have a number of players who appear ahead of him.
We currently have the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Rob Holding, Shkodran Mustafi, captain Per Mertesacker, Calum Chambers, Mohamed Elneny and Nacho Monreal all able to play in the three centre-back roles in the side, and it is tough to figure out just where he fits into that pecking order.
Valencia are now claiming that they are interested in adding him to their own defence, and believe a deal is a realistic option. Their Marcelino has confirmed his interest in in the defensive trio of Jeison Murillo, Gabriel Paulista and Ivan Marcano and believe that they are valid targets.
“I think they’re possible,” their Coach Marcelino said.
“We’re talking about important players who already know our League. They speak Spanish, and that’s important, so their adaptation would be very quick.”
Los Che are currently on the lookout for a centre-half with Manchester City’s Elaquim Mangala having returned to the Etihad following his loan spell, and they are keen to add one of defensive trio Jeison Murillo, Gabriel Paulista and Ivan Marcano to their options.
How far from the first XI is Gabriel? Does our new system suit his playing style? Should we cut our losses with him?
Pat J