Watched him play when his team played Barca,Real and Atheltico Madrid, never really stood out as anything special, was solid enough and did his job. More similar to Kos than Mert. So I guess it makes sense considering all the problems Kos has had with injuries this season.
If he turns out to be anything like Kos, then we'll have some great options at CB. I haven't seen Paulista play, but I'm hoping he's quick like Kos too ?
Haven't watched him but on YouTube he appears to be quite a pacey CB who is good in the air. Looks a decent addition to me, hope we get the work permit sorted quickly. Will be nice to have a CB other than Kosc with some pace too!
There's a stats table here comparing Gabriel, Mertesacker, Koscielny & Chamber's performances in key areas which show him in a very favourable light. https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blog...aulista-to-arsenal-makes-sense-173955127.html
It's an interesting read and suggests his pace, aerial ability and inceptions are his main strengths. More in the mould of Kosc than mert. Didn't take much notice previously, but this will be the most expensive defender we have ever bought as a club!
Those interception stats are impressive. It's something that Kos has built his game on and if Gabriel can add that to Arsenal he will be a really important CB. Also his aerial stats are almost as good as Mertesacker's. It remains to be seen how he'll adapt to the premier league, but if he has those two qualities then he should slot in quite seamlessly. I liked the scenario where it was suggested that we might play Kos and Gabby together, as they have pace and would allow us to play our high line without getting done at the back.
I don't usually go on previous stats, especially when a player comes from another league. I'm just going to trust Wenger and his scouts have seen something in him that can mould him into a great defender for our team.
According to Wenger we should get the deal tied up either tonight or tomorrow before the Cup Draw! http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150125/wenger-on-the-win-momentum-and-rosicky Also I read on Bleacher Report that Nick Wright of London24 Sport has said he's already obtained a Work Permit. (though why he'd know I don't know...) or how this could happen without a deal being finalised for him) So if that's the case then he could be in the squad for the Villa or Spurs games...
Great news that the transfer looks to be almost done! Also what a quote from Wenger on Rosicky - "If you love football, you love Rosicky"
I know - great quote and a typical Wenger quote. It always kills me to think how much Rosicky magic we've missed because of his injuries because when he's been injury free he's such a great player - and in my opinion never got close to meeting his full potential
There was also a comment from Wenger which I can't find now that seemed to lay the work permit issue to rest. Personally I know nothing about the guy. Sure is ugly though.
Has anyone seen this guy play it dosent fill me with confidence the fact he hasn't been called up to the brazil squad over David Luiz
Permit granted according to Sky. Ha, also, had they done the deal a few weeks earlier when we asked then we'd have paid an extra £700k. As the Euro has dropped in value we've saved a tidy bit.
The Grauniad is reporting the same thing http://www.theguardian.com/football...nted-work-permit-arsenal-villaarreal-transfer
Sam@samuelJayC 2h2 hours ago It seems final fee for Gabriel is £11.23m (€15m & Campbell loan) which is €5m less than his release clause. Good work by Dick Law. #afc
Seems by the descriptions he's more of a ball winner / no nonsense type defender. Probably what we need - he is quite small for a centre back though.
Good aerial stats though, almost as good as Merts. He's also got great interception stats, better than Kos. It remains to be seen how he adapts to the prem, but on paper he looks good.
