Arsenal has moved a step closer in signing Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista after the un-capped Brazilian was granted a work permit to play in the United Kingdom.
Sky Sports is now reporting that the Gunners can now press ahead with the deal believed to be worth 18€ million to the La Liga club.
According to sources in Spain Arsenal is set to save as much as £700,000 thanks to the Euro slipping against the British currency.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry said on Sunday that he thinks his old club is signing a rare talent, but another former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas told The Morning View: “He’s getting better and better but I think he’s still raw.”
“Villarreal play an Arsenal-type game – pass and move – but he’s not a natural passing centre-back; he’s a physical presence.
“Yes, Arsene Wenger has bought Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, but defensively, he likes to create rather than buy superstars. He can certainly nurture this lad but he needs time – maybe into next season.”
