Arsenal are in negotiations to sign Brazilian central defender Gabriel Paulista from Spanish club Villarreal, the Premier League club’s manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday.
.
“We are talking at the moment, can we find an agreement or not I don’t know,” the Frenchman told a news conference ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup, fourth tie at Brighton and Hove Albion.
.
Arsenal allowed former club captain Thomas Vermaelen to join Barcelona last August and did not strengthen the central defensive areas which have been criticised this season.
.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been Wenger’s preferred duo at the back but neither have been entirely convincing during the first half of the season.
.
Paulista, 24, has a release clause in his contract, believed to be €20 million, and Wenger hinted that the Gunners could be prepared to meet it.
.
“We are progressing, there is a chance,” Wenger said.
.
“We are ready to pay the price for a good player, no matter what it is if we think it’s the right price, we will pay it.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate