Villarreal confirm defender Gabriel Paulista will sign for Arsenal

Villarreal confirm defender Gabriel Paulista will sign for Arsenal

Villarreal have confirmed that defender Gabriel Paulista will leave the club and sign for Arsenal.

The Brazilian was left out of Marcelino Garcia Toral's squad for Saturday night's match against Levante, fueling speculation the transfer was close. 

Joel Campbell will move to the la Liga club on loan until the of the season as part of the deal.

Arsene Wenger had confirmed his interest in Gabriel, 24, earlier this week, with Arsenal's interest in signing a centre back well known.

However, Villarreal were determined to get the right fee for the player and there were doubts whether he would be able to obtain a work permit.

The fact that he's not yet represented Brazil made it less likely he would be given one.

But with the Yellow Submarine confirming the deal, it seems everything has been sorted.

There has not yet been any mention of a fee or of how long the contract will be, while Arsenal are yet to confirm the capture. 

Gabriel's move to the Emirates Stadium should end the Gunners interest in Espanyol defender Hector Moreno, who had been watched by the Premier League club.