Will Gabriel Paulista succeed at Arsenal?

The January transfer window was always likely to be an intriguing period for Arsenal, with the rumour mill producing several names who could have found their way to the Emirates. Arsene Wenger finds himself in all too familiar territory with Gunners fans who expect the club to bring in a number of high-profile players who could make the difference between top four and the Premier League title, but he has made a reputation for spending wisely. Although those who were expecting a wave of new arrivals were left disappointed once again, the one signing Arsenal did manage to bring in could turn out to be excellent business. Centre-back Gabriel Paulista may be an unknown quantity for some fans, but Wenger is convinced that the £14 million arrival from Villarreal could develop into a top Premier League defender. It may be the best time for Arsenal fans to utilise special offers and back their team to succeed, and with plenty of football still to play in the league, FA Cup and Champions League, the new arrival may have a chance to prove he has what it takes.

Percentage game

The 24-year-old Brazilian built a fine reputation for being a promising defender who was not only combative and an excellent tackler, but also showed an excellent understanding and reading of the game that belied his relatively young age. Villarreal saw his potential and brought him to La Liga, where he has developed even further and became one of their key players. Gabriel Paulista came to Arsenal’s attention through a series of excellent performances this season, with 66 interceptions the second-highest of any defender in Spain. It may have taken a considerable amount for Wenger to convince Villarreal to sell the centre-back as negotiations took longer than expected, but pushing the deal through may reap dividends in the short and long-term future.

Opportunities

Gabriel Paulista has yet to feature for Arsenal since arriving in England, but it may take time for the Brazilian to adapt to conditions in a new country and league. With Per Mertesacker and Lauren Koscielny establishing themselves as Wenger’s first choice centre-back pairing, the Brazilian will have to apply himself in training in order to stand a chance of breaking into the team. Fans may have to be patient to see the new signing in action, although the upcoming FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough could provide an opportunity to see what he can do. However, there are positive vibes coming out of London Colney that Gabriel Paulista has already impressed Wenger and the backroom staff, so while Arsenal’s new signing may be one for the future, there is every chance he could succeed wearing the famous red and white shirt.