Wenger confident Brazilian defender will be a hit

Arsene Wenger is confident new signing Gabriel Paulista will be a hit in the Premier League.

The Brazilian defender completed his move from Villarreal on Wednesday and brings an extra added quality to Arsene Wenger’s defensive options, heading into the latter part of the Premier League season.

And, the Frenchman has spoken of his delight at signing the central defender, claiming he believes he can be a hit this season.

“He [Gabriel] is a promising Brazilian defender,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“Just 24 years old and we got the work permit. He has good pace, is good in the challenge and is tall, so he can adapt to English football.

“Maybe it will take some time to adapt completely, but overall it is very good to have him. This season he has played every game for Villarreal and we have seen him many times. We are convinced about his quality.

“He is very ambitious, focused and serious. That is important at a club like ours – you need to have a complete focus on your job. He has that.

“I like the players who come from nowhere and show they can adapt. From Brazil, he has adapted to Spain. That means he has already made it and adapted in another country, and so that is another important quality.”

Wenger also reiterated his desire to bring in the defender and admitted that he would have struggled with his current options.

“We needed some cover, or we would not be responsible,” said the Arsenal boss.

“We needed another centre-back because we have lost [Mathieu] Debuchy. [Nacho] Monreal can play centre-back and we are a bit short there if something happens, especially with the Achilles of Koscielny since the start of the season.

“[Gabriel] can play right-back and left-back, and that is of course a good quality as well.”


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