5) Work Permit
The only issue that Arsenal could have rather than their difference in valuation of the defender with Villarreal is whether the centre back could get a work permit in England.
As he has yet to play for Brazil, Paulista wouldn’t automatically be allowed one and may instead have to apply for a special talent visa or gain one on appeal. The defender also hasn’t spent the requisite amount of time in Spain to apply for a Spanish passport.
It would be a risky move for the Gunners to sign such an expensive and high profile signing without the requisite paperwork in order so if they are truly targeting Paulista you have to believe they are hopeful he will be grant a work permit.