Arsenal Summer Profile: The Defense

The Brazilian Project: Gabriel Paulista (CB)

View image | gettyimages.com

Paulista is by far my favorite Arsenal signing this year, and yes that includes Alexis Sanchez. It is because Paulista fills a major need the team has failed to address in a long time. Paulista is Laurent Koscielny but bigger. Paulista is Per Mertesacker but faster and more athletic. Paulista is that next generation type of defender, capable of pushing the ball up and still run back and cover his position.

Maybe all of that is a little premature but I have no doubt Wenger will be able to turn Paulista into a great Premier League defender. Paulista is here to stay and if he can get healthy and continue to learn English, I’m sure he will become an asset we got for cheap.

Next: Laurent Koscielny