Arsenal’s latest acquisition Gabriel Paulista has admitted that he has to fight for a starting place in Arsene Wenger’s side.
The Brazilian centre-back was signed from Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal in a deal that saw forward Joel Campbell go the other way on loan for the remainder of the season.
Gabriel had been a constant fixture in Marcelino Garcia Toral’s Villarreal side in the current campaign and his impressive performances saw Wenger sign the unassuming Brazilian.
A centre-back by trade, Gabriel is equally adept at playing as a full-back. Talking to Arsenal’s official site, he acknowledged that competition for a place in their starting line-up is fierce and he needs to earn his place.
“I’m coming to a very big club and I know that I will play with great players. While respecting everyone, I want to play for my place in the team.”
relatedNewsStory
Gabriel has to contend with German Per Mertasacker and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny for a place in Arsenal’s defence, with the pair having formed a solid centre-back pairing, but the Brazilian is confident that he has enough potential to stake a claim.
“I know that is not going to be easy, I must show my potential, I have to show that I can be in the group that the manager can count on me. The same goes to all my team-mates.”
He further added that he will look to continue in the same vein as he did in Spain, which earned him his move to the Premier League.
“I will carry on the same way I have been since the beginning of my career. I have always respected everyone to get to where I am in my career, and I want even more.”
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
