Arsenal transfers: Arsene Wenger confirms Gabriel Paulista talks
Arsene Wenger confirms that Arsenal are keen to sign Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal this month
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are in talks to sign Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a swoop for the defender as Wenger looks to bolster his defensive options at Emirates Stadium during the mid-season window.
Arsenal are expected to have to pay in the region of £15m to lure the 24-year-old away from the La Liga club this month.
And quizzed about a potential deal on Thursday, Wenger appeared to be hopeful of completing the signing before the transfer deadline on 2 February.
Asked directly about Paulista, Wenger told a news conference on Thursday morning: “There is a chance. The talks are progressing quite well. Can we find an agreement or not? I don’t know.”
Wenger also insisted that Arsenal are prepared to splash the cash on players this month if the price is right.
“We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough. If the price is right, we will pay,” added the Frenchman.
Wenger’s Arsenal, who beat defending champions Manchester City 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend, travel to Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
