According to Talksport.com, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club has started their talks with Spanish side Villareal over the transfer of Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista. Wenger is hoping to finalize the deal in the near future.
The Gunners, who are interested in activating the Brazilian central defender’s £15 million release clause as per his contract, could be dealt with a huge blow. The north London could have a tough time in securing a work permit for the 24-year-old.
Ever since the start of the 2014/15 season, Arsenal have been plagued by injury problems to their key defenders, which includes Frenchmen Laurent Koscielny and Mathieu Debuchy and England’s Kieran Gibbs. Wenger stated that he wanted to sign another defender in the January transfer window after these injury concerns.
Paulista has been one of the bright stars for Villareal and is all set to make a big money move into the English Premier League as he is targeted by many clubs. Wenger said that the talks are going well. When asked about can the club find an agreement or not?, Wenger replied that he is not sure about it as his side is slowly progressing and there is a chance to pull it off.
Wenger also said that the club is ready to pay the price if they think that it is right for a good player, no matter what the price is. Paulista has yet to play a game for Brazil which could force him to have some difficulties in his attempts to secure a work permit.
Wenger also added that they respect the rules in England and when someone buys a player who does not fulfill the criteria and needs a work permit, they need to go to the commission and they tell them yes or no. Everyone has to accept that and the club has to respect the rules that are in England. Arsenal are currently fighting for a top 4 finish in the Premier League.