Gabriel Paulista has signed for Arsenal from Villarreal for a reported fee of 11.3 million pounds.
- Scout's Notebook: Gabriel Paulista
Gabriel, 24, had a work permit agreed earlier this week and arrives in England with Joel Campbell, who also signed a new long-term contract, moving from the Gunners to the La Liga side on loan until the end of the season as part of the deal.
It's official - @Arsenal have signed Gabriel from Villarreal! Full story here: http://t.co/PTmDsbDkvj #WelcomeGabriel pic.twitter.com/PgkgL21j6G
- Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 28, 2015
The Brazilian defender told the Arsenal website: "I came from a club that is not that big in Brazilian football. I went to Spanish football and that was another dream come true, to play in Europe.
"A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it. I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying.
"I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important. I care more about helping the team and my team-mates. I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things."