Paulista signs for Arsenal

It is turning out to be a very good transfer window for the Arsenal, as they complete a deal with Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, which involves a loan deal for Joel Campbell who will join Villarreal until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Brazilian will move to the Emirates in a long term deal which is thought to be worth around £11m, and the process has been given a boost due to the acquisition of a work permit.

It has long been noted that the Arsenal defence lack a bit of spine and solidity especially in the centre-back position and Paulista's arrival will be a welcome solution to that issue. It's no insult to Mertesacker and Koscielny, both are perfectly good defenders in their own right but collectively they just struggle to retain any consistency and that has been evident this season.

Paulista's arrival will add some much needed strength and stamina throughout the defence and it also covers the departure of Vermaelan, who left in the summer.

So what can the Gunners expect from Gabriel Paulista?

The first thing the FA Cup holders can expect from Paulista is speed. He is a very pacey defender and it is a prominent skill that Arsenal could benefit greatly from, especially as Per is slowing down a bit recently. He can move fast from one end of the pitch to another and covers a vast distance during a game.

Standing at 6ft 6' he is going to only improve the aerial aspect of the team, all those headers and aerial challenges that lack the height from all of the club's shorter players will be met with Paulista's height.

He is also a very strong stopper and that skill is undeniably what makes you a great defender, it's how Mertesacker has done so well. He has a very defensive talent having played as right-back and centre-back in the past, he knows where to be and has awareness of where the ball is at all times.

He has a really good work rate and Wenger believes he has plenty of "potential" as well as the ability to improve and strengthen his game further.