VILLARREAL confirm Arsenal have agreed to sign defender Gabriel Paulista in a deal believed to be in excess of £11m.
Following intense speculation that the 24-year-old defender would leave the La Liga club for Arsenal in recent weeks, Villarreal have confirmed his departure.
The Spanish outfit announced the news on Twitter, saying: “Principal transfer agreement with Arsenal for Gabriel, who will say goodbye before today’s game. Good Luck!”
Villarreal also announced that Arsenal striker Joel Campbell would head the other way on a six-month loan after reportedly signing a contract extension with the Gunners.
“Welcome Joel Campbell! We’ve reached a loan agreement with Arsenal for the rest of the season. Endavant!” the club tweeted.
Gabriel signed for Villarreal at the beginning of last season from Brazilian club Esporte Clube Vitoria for a figure of around three million euros and although he struggled during his first year in La Liga, he has matured into a cultured centre half.
Campbell, 22, impressed on loan at Olympiacos in Greece last term and at the World Cup with Costa Rica but has barely got a look in at Arsenal.
