Arsenal complete Gabriel Paulista signing

Arsenal's new signing Gabriel Paulista. PHOTO / COURTESY

LONDON: Arsenal have completed the signing of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista.

The Gunners bagged a work permit for the 24-year-old earlier this week, with a fee agreed, believed to be around £15million.

Gabriel, who is primarily a centre back, had been an ever-present for Villarreal this season, with the Yellow Submarines currently sixth in La Liga.

His arrival coincides with Joel Campbell's loan move to Spain, with the Costa Rican agreeing a new long-term deal at the Emirates prior to the switch.

Gabriel told Arsenal's official website of his delight at completing the move: “I came from a club that is not that big in Brazilian football.

"I went to Spanish football and that was another dream come true, to play in Europe. A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it.