Up until a few days ago, Brazilian Gabriel Pauilista saw himself with Villarreal for at least the second half of the season. Today, per Arsene Wenger’s request, he is the newest Gunner.
The 24-year-old wore his Arsenal gear for the first time on Wednesday morning. Something he barely saw coming in his wildest dreams while playing for Vitória in Brazil.
"I come from a club that is not big in Brazilian football,” Gabriel told Arsenal’s website. “A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League.”
Villarreal played two pre-season games in England. Seeing the infrastructure of English clubs helped his motivation of playing for whichever team in England.
The defender is conscious that there is work to be done to help Arsenal climb in the standings ladder. With 39 points after 22 games played they are in the fifth spot. Apparently, number five will also be the number of his jersey.
Gabriel is a Gunner! Send in your messages to @Arsenal's newest signing using #WelcomeGabriel pic.twitter.com/Xi0vG00opM
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) enero 28, 2015
He will be competing against Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny for a spot in the starting eleven. Instead of fearing both players, he uses them as a motivation.
“While respecting everyone, I want to play for my place in the team,” Gabriel pointed out. “I must show my potential, I have to show that I can be in the group.”
“He is tall and pacy. He has a good chance to adapt to English football,” said Wegner in the days prior to sealing the deal.
Gabriel’s move to London is valued in £15m. Joel Campbell, 22, will take his spot in Villarreal, joining the Spanish club on a short-term loan.
WATCH: The skills that made Arsene Wenger hire the newest Gunner
Paulista is expected to wear number "5" on the back of his jersey
He joins the Premier League team after 18 months in La Liga with Villareal
Gabriel has expressed his excitement about his new adventure as a Gunner
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