Arsene Wenger has taken the unusual step of confirming that talks for Villareal’s centreback Gabriel Paulista are ‘progressing well’
Speaking to reporters, the Arsenal manager said
“The talks are progressing quite well.
“Can we find an agreement or not? I don’t know.”
And it seems as if Krystian Bielik and Paulista may not be the only arrivals during this window as Wenger added
“We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough.
“If the price is right, we will pay.”
Paulista could struggle to get a work permit given that he has not yet represented Brazil at senior level.
It is believed that Arsenal will appeal the 24-year-old’s case in the hopes that he will be granted a ‘special talent’ visa, the kind the club were able to secure for Ryo Myaichi.
Given that Paulista is a lot older than Ryo and playing in a tougher league, his case should be easier to argue but as with work permits, it’s impossible to tell how it will go.
It is unlikely that Arsenal will complete the deal should they be unable to secure a work permit for him.