Arsenal have officially announced the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of €18 million, with striker Joel Campbell joining the La Liga side on loan until the end of the season.
Although the Gunners were initially struggling to get work permit for the defender due to him not making any appearances for the Brazilian national team, the North London club reportedly managed to obtain a visa by convincing the Home Office that the 24-year-old comes under the "exceptional talent" category.
And now Arsenal have confirmed that they have signed Paulista, and Campbell, who has penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates, has moved to Villarreal on loan until the end of the season.
"Arsenal have signed Brazilian defender Gabriel from Villarreal, with Joel Campbell agreeing a new long-term deal prior to a loan move to the La Liga side," read a statement in the club's official website.
Paulista, who had been keen to move to the Premier League, expressed his delight at having signed for Arsenal.
"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," the centre-back told Arsenal's official website.
"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."
The 24-year-old insists that he will be looking to help the entire team do well rather than focusing on his individual game.
"I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone," he added. "
"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."
