Arsene Wenger looks to definitely be in the market for a defender this January.
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Saint-Etienne centre back Loic Perrin and have instead turned their attention to Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista.
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Perrin confirmed Arsenal had contacted him personally and confirmed their interest in signing him as Arsene Wenger looks to boost his fragile defense – however it appears the Gunners are now targeting Brazilian Paulista.
L’Equipe says, however, that the deal could be held up due to Paulista not being a full Brazil international and thus making it difficult for the North London club to obtain a work permit.
The Villarreal defender has been at the club since the summer of 2013, moving from Brazilian side Vitoria.
Paulista has developed into a valuable asset for the La Liga, starting 16 games already this season in the league and playing all of the Spanish side’s group games in the Europa league.
Whilst it would be a smart acquisition by Arsene Wenger to improve the defensive back-ups Arsenal have at their disposal, Paulista’s importance, age and his contract with the Spanish club, which has three and a half years remaining, mean it would potentially be a quite costly deal.
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