Manchester United are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, after watching the defender in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
The La Liga side signed the central defender from Vitoria de Bahia in 2013 for a reported fee of £1.5m and he has since gone on to become one of the top performers in the Spanish league, prompting the Brazilian national side to consider a role in their side.
The 24-year-old, who penned a five-year deal, has discussed recent reports linking him with a move to England and has said that he would be open to joining Arsene Wenger’s side.
“I’m perfectly calm over my future,” he told Spanish daily Marca.
“My head is still here with Villarreal but my agent is working on things, on whether I should go to Arsenal or remain where I am, but I’m relaxed about things. We shall see.”
However, Man United are keen to hijack the move after watching him against Getafe on Wednesday and are preparing a £16m deal.