Arsenal ‘Confident’ Of Beating Man Utd To Brazilian After Agreeing €20m Deal

With the January transfer in full swing, managers are strengthening their squads ahead of the second half of the season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are closing in on Man Utd target Gabriel Paulista….

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Manchester United target Gabriel Paulista after reportedly agreeing to meet the defenders €20m release clause.

The Gunners are expected to bring in another central defender this month as Arsene Wenger has admitted the injury to Mathieu Debuchy has left him short of options at the back.

Several names have been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks but speculation in the media on Monday claimed that the North Londoners had failed with a €6.5m (£5m) offer Gabriel Paulista which included giving Villarreal Joel Campbell on loan as part of the deal.

Paulista confirmed that his agents was in talks with Arsenal and admitted that playing in the Premier League was a ‘dream’.

“The subject is being discussed by my agent and the club.

“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.” Paulista is quoted as saying by the Express

Further reports then claimed that Manchester United were ready to try and hijack the potential deal with Louis van Gaal identifying Paulista as a potential new recruit as the Dutchman looks to try and strengthen his options at the back this month.

However, it looks like Arsenal are on the verge of beating their rivals to the 24-year-old’s signature as the Metro are citing reports coming from Spanish radio station Cadena Ser which claim the North Londoners have agreed to pay the defenders €20m (£15.2m) buy-out clause.

The newspaper states that Paulista is keen on the move as Wenger has offered to triple his current wage and there’s a hope that the deal will be pushed through by the end of the week.

Villarreal boss Marcelino has also admitted that they may be forced to cash-in on the defender:

‘I’m not involved in the sale of Gabriel, it’s bad news from a sporting point of view.’

‘But if both Gabriel and the club believe that a sale to Arsenal is what’s best for everyone, I accept it.’ Marcelino is quoted as saying by the Metro

The major stumbling block over any potential deal is gaining a work permit as Paulista has failed to earn a single cap for the senior Brazilian national team and doesn’t hold an EU passport.

The Mirror claim that Arsenal are ‘confident’ they will be able to gain a work permit through the appeals process should the home office reject their application, as they feel the centre-back has the necessary ‘exceptional talent’ required despite his lack of international experience.

However, despite what the paper say, a deal can’t be that close as Paulista has started for Villarreal tonight in their Copa del Rey clash with Getafe, so there may still be some way to go yet before he’s officially a Gunner.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Paulista is a rugged central defender who known for his pace and excellent tackling ability, so he’d certainly be a useful addition to the Arsenal squad if they can get a deal over the line and a work permit granted.