Wenger hints at Gabriel Paulista deal

Arsenal are in talks with Villarreal over a deal to sign defender Gabriel Paulista.

The 24-year-old has a £15million release clause in his contract with Villarreal, but manager Arsene Wenger has revealed negotiations are progressing well.

“The talks are progressing quite well. I don’t think there is need to say much more. We are talking at the moment, whether we can find an agreement or not, I don’t know,” Wenger told reporters.

“We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance. At the moment we are talking. The 20 million is euros, it’s £15m to transform the amount.

“We are ready to pay the price we think right for a good player, no matter what the price is. If we think it’s the right price we will pay.”

Paulista has yet to be capped by Brazil and Wenger admits his international situation could affect his chances of being granted a work permit.

“[The deal is] 50-50 at this moment. We respect the rules in England – when you buy a player who does not fulfil the criteria and needs a work permit, you go in front of a commission and they tell you yes or no. We will accept that,” Wenger explained.

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