Advertisement

Wenger admits Gabriel's Gunners switch is 'very, very close'

The Arsenal boss can’t wait to get his hands on a centre back.

ARSENE WENGER HAS revealed Arsenal are “very, very, very close” to making Gabriel Paulista their second signing of the January transfer window.

The Gunners were reportedly in advanced talks for the centre-back last week with the Brazilian’s agent in London to try to finalise a deal worth up to €20 million for the Villarreal defender.

Wenger, speaking after Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Brighton in the FA Cup, now expects confirmation of Gabriel’s arrival to come on Monday.

When asked on reports the deal is close, Wenger told reporters: “They are accurate, it’s very very very close. It should be done I think tomorrow.”

“[He is] a player who’s 24 years old, good size, good pace and a good defender. He plays for only one year in Europe so maybe there are some things to work on but the potential is there.”

There have been concerns over Gabriel’s work permit application to play in the Premier League having yet to feature for Brazil at any international level, but Wenger is confident of no hold-ups in completing the move.

He added: “We will be alright on that front.”

Five talking points from this weekend’s FA Cup action

Sakho heads Hammers into the last 16 while Aston Villa push past Bournemouth

Close
7 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin McCormack
    Favourite Eoin McCormack
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 1:46 PM

    no lescott is totally at fault

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Murphy
    Favourite James Murphy
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 1:47 PM

    I’m no Man City supporter but I can’t see what hart did wrong, put up a clip of Negredo’s goal, could Howard save that.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan O'Leary
    Favourite Aidan O'Leary
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 4:13 PM

    Aguero can bearly score a penalty

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aodhan Fogarty
    Favourite Aodhan Fogarty
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 2:11 PM

    Hart is been exposed by a weak defence he’s average keeper.. Man city’s back 4 are leaking in the goals this season

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sportsmadmonkey
    Favourite Sportsmadmonkey
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 2:09 PM

    There didn’t seem to be a huge power in the shot, the goalkeeper seemed to get a decent hand behind the ball. Keeper at fault, lescott’s mistake notwithstanding!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bad Lieutenant
    Favourite Bad Lieutenant
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 2:06 PM

    His Hart gave out again.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Murphy
    Favourite James Murphy
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 2:21 PM

    Booooooooooooooo!

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aidan O'Leary
    Favourite Aidan O'Leary
    Report
    Oct 5th 2013, 10:37 PM

    The head and shoulders again

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.