Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal’s deal to sign Gabriel Paulista is ‘very, very, very, very close’.

Speaking after his side’s FA Cup win over Brighton at the AMEX on Sunday, the Arsenal manager was asked about the deal and he confirmed that he expected the deal to be completed on Monday.

Asked if the work permit could be a problem Wenger confirmed that he believed they would be ‘alright’ on that front. The Brazilian has yet to make an appearance for the senior Brazilian side and Arsenal will need to acquire a ‘special talent’ visa.

The 24-year-old captain of Villarreal is believed to be costing Arsenal just over £11m and Joel Campbell on loan for the rest of the season.

Arsenal survived a couple of scares against Brighton to see out the game 3-2 and make sure that they were not one of the big boys who crashed out of the competition this weekend.