Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Paulista from Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal.
As part of the deal, Costa Rica international forward Joel Campbell has left Arsenal to sign for Villarreal on loan for the remainder of the season.
Gabriel, who is 24 years old and also able to operate as a full-back, was granted a work permit on Monday, despite not yet having won a senior cap for the Brazil national side and not possessing an EU passport.
The defender has been quick to express his delight at linking up with Arsene Wenger's men, telling Arsenal's official site: "It’s another dream in my career that has come true. I have only just arrived but I am already feeling really good here in London.
"I’m at a top club so that gives me more strength to be able to work and carry on, to be able to conquer much more in my career."
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And the defender also issued a message to the Arsenal fans, promising that he will play for the team, rather than himself, and do his utmost to help the Gunners win major trophies during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
"I am arriving at a big club like this and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important.
"I care more about helping the team and my team-mates also think that. I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that on the field has a lot of will to be able to help the team win important things."
Gabriel could make his Arsenal debut this coming Sunday when the Gunners host Aston Villa in a Premier League clash.
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