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Arsenal have completed the signing of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista on a long-term deal, the club have confirmed.
The 24-year-old, who joins for £13.4million, underwent a medical on Monday and has since been granted a work permit.
A statement from the London club confirmed the signing, adding that the transfer is still 'subject to the completion of further registration and regulatory processes'.
The Brazilian enjoyed a spell at Esporte Clube Vitória before moving to Spain - signed as a replacement for Diego Godin - where he has made 18 La Liga starts this term.
Paulista is a seasoned centre-back, but he has been known to deputise as a full-back on both flanks.
He told Arsenal's official website: “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. I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying.
“I am arriving at a big club 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. 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.”
