Arsenal boss was speaking at a private event for Gunners members.
Arsene Wenger may have inadvertently revealed that Arsenal have already signed Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista in a behind doors Q and A with fans.
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Speaking to members of the North London side’s Diamond Club, Wenger spoke of the Gunners’ interest in Paulista and is said to have claimed a deal had been struck, almost confirming the Brazilian had been signed.
However, upon realised he may have given too much away, the Arsenal boss backtracked on his words.
Arsene doing Diamond Club Q&A now has just said that Paulista deal virtually done, then tried to backtrack after giving too much away
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) January 22, 2015
Wenger also discussed his decision not to add to his side’s defence which has been short in numbers all season and seen Wenger rely on full backs as central defensive cover following injuries to key personnel.
Arsene Re not buying centre half in summer he said “very few around of quality which was why FCB & MUFC wanted TV5 so much” — Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) January 22, 2015
With the addition of Paulista, Arsenal may now have the requisite numbers with which to compete in the second half of the season and Wenger insisted, despite his attacking instincts and reputation as a gung-ho manager, that the defence is a crucial part of his side.
Arsene “We need to ensure team has a solid defence”
— Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) January 22, 2015
The Gunners boss even had a few words for those who say his early Arsenal sides were only successful due to a defence he inherited from George Graham.
Arsene “People always refer to defence I inherited but Lauren ,Toure, Cole and Campbell never got me or them the credit they deserved” — Darren (@DarrenArsenal1) January 22, 2015