Arsenal signing Gabriel Paulista: Arsene Wenger played big role in move
Gabriel Paulista believes there is plenty of room for improvement
Gabriel Paulista has revealed Arsene Wenger played a big role in his decision to join Arsenal.
The Brazil international completed a reported £11.3m move to the north London club from La Liga outfit Villarreal on Wednesday evening.
The few games I have watched and witnessed, during the season, I saw that there is room for improvement
Gabriel Paulista
Gabriel marks Arsenal’s second signing of the January transfer window after Wenger promised to make defensive reinforcements this month.
The 24-year-old centre-half, who will be vying for a first-team place with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker, was flatted by Wenger’s interest.
“To me it’s something big… I came on his request, on the coach’s request. He asked to sign me and that gives me more strength and the will to be able to work,” Gabriel told Arsenal’s website.
“I see that he’s a coach that has been here for many years and this is important, not only for the team but also for the club. This is very important for everyone that works here in the club, to have a coach like this.”
Gabriel, who spent a season-and-a-half at Villarreal, revealed that he has been keeping an eye on Arsenal’s performances this season.
And the uncapped Brazilian defender believes there is plenty of room for improvement, underlining that the Gunners are a big club in his eyes.
“The few games I have watched and witnessed, during the season, I saw that there is room for improvement,” Gabriel added.
“We have a lot to conquer because Arsenal is a very big club, we must always be at the top. I think it’s a club that will keep growing throughout the season, and that over the next few years we will be able to win important titles.”
