Arsenal Transfer News: Gabriel Paulista In, Joel Campbell Out

Well, I told you yesterday to hold your breath in light of Gabriel Paulista being left out of the Villarreal squad. You can now slowly exhale, but keep some breath on reserve because their is still time for this to fall through, but that’s pure cynicism.

According to BBC Sports, the deal is agreed upon “in principle,” a concept that still baffles me on occasion.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

The deal is as follows: Arsenal will pay 15 million pounds for the Brazilian and Villarreal will pay 1 million pounds for Joel Campbell’s services on loan for the rest of the year. The word is still mum on the work permit, but if the deal is agreed upon, then perhaps Arsene Wenger found a way to convince the ‘high council’ that Paulista was an ‘exceptional talent.’

This is fantastic news for Arsenal. Paulista is being compared to Laurent Kocielny and I don’t think that comparison will bother too many Gooners.

At 24-years of age, Paulista has an excellent Arsenal future ahead of him. He’s been a dominant force on the Villarreal back line that has seen the Spanish side have the third best defense in La Liga.

We needed cover on the back line and Paulista gives us that, along with providing a future standout given the advancing ages of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Kocielny.

With just under a week left in January, we may still be able to hang onto hope for some other signing as well, though I don’t see the need with the defense now covered.

Follow Pain in the Arsenal on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Next: Radja Nainggolan and Many More Arsenal Transfer Rumors