Arsenal boss rules the roost on his new defensive signing.
Arsene Wenger has spoken for the first time on his delight at capturing Arsenal’s latest signing; defender Gabriel Paulista.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Gabriel Paulista’s First Interview As An Arsenal Player
Five Top Quality Arsene Wenger January Buys That New Arsenal Signing Gabriel Paulista Will Want To Emulate
Rejoice: Twitter Reacts To Arsenal Completing Gabriel Paulista Deal
The Brazilian joins the Gunners just 18 months after moving to La Liga side Villarreal where he became a key part of the Spanish club’s impressive defensive record that has seen them remain unbeaten for their last 17 games.
Wenger has been quick to praise the 24-year-old for his ambition and focus.
“He has good pace, he’s good in the challenge and he’s tall – so he can adapt to English football,” the boss told the Arsenal official website.
“He’s very ambitious, focused and serious. That’s important at a club like ours – you need to have a complete focus on your job. He has that.
“I like the players who come from nowhere and show they can adapt. From Brazil, he has [then] adapted to Spain. That means he has already made it and adapted in another country. That’s another important quality.”
Wenger, though, was quick to say Gabriel should be given time to adapt at the Emirates Stadium after only arriving in Europe in the summer of 2013.
However, he might not get the opportunity of a stress free induction into English football with Arsenal’s defence continually struggling with injuries this season.
Mathieu Debuchy is out for at least another two months whilst Laurent Koscielny has struggled with tendinitis in the achilles of both ankles.
Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers have both ably deputised in the middle so far this campaign, but Wenger couldn’t contain his delight at finally signing a competent, back-up defender.
“We needed another centre back because we have lost Debuchy. Monreal can play centre back and we are a bit short there if something happens, especially with the Achilles [problem] of Koscielny since the start of the season,” the Frenchman continued.
“We needed some cover, or we would not be responsible. [Gabriel] can play right back and left back, and that is of course a good quality as well.”
Arsenal fans will be able to see if their new boy will get his Emirates debut when the Gunners face Astone Villa in the Premier League this weekend