Arsene Wenger’s new signing Gabriel Paulista will follow in the footsteps of Thomas Vermaelen at the Emirates after having been given the number five jersey which was also worn by Martin Keown and Steve Bould.
The Frenchman conceded that he was forced to go to the transfer market this winter due to injuries, but think that the 24-year-old Brazilian has what it takes to make it in the Premiership
“He has good pace, he’s good in the challenge and he’s tall – so he can adapt to English football,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website. “Maybe it will take some time to adapt completely, but overall it’s very good to have him.
“He’s very ambitious, focused and serious. That’s 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 [then] adapted to Spain. That means he has already made it and adapted in another country. That’s another important quality.
“We needed another centre back because we have lost Debuchy. Monreal can play centre back and we are a bit short there if something happens, especially with the Achilles [problem] of Koscielny since the start of the season.”
