Would Gabriel Paulista be a good signing for Arsenal?
Moenchengladbach's Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit (L) vies with Villarreal's Brazilian defender Gabriel …
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Thursday, rather unusually, that he is indeed in talks with Villarreal for defender Gabriel Paulista, after recent reports claimed a move was imminent.
Those reports maybe slightly premature with the Arsenal boss rating the move as 50:50, as the Gunners continue to haggle over the fee with the La Liga side.
Quite significantly however, anybody who closely follows Arsenal transfer stories will attest to the fact that a public acknowledgement from Wenger, that he's interested in a player usually suggests that the move maybe further down the line than the legendary boss is letting on.
A central defender was always priority for Arsenal this window after what was a shambolic end to the summer transfer window. Wenger addressed the attacking issues in his side by bringing in the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, and also recalling Joel Campbell.
However, the Frenchman failed to add another central defender having let Thomas Vermaelen leave for Barcelona which meant that Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were the only two recognized senior centre backs in the Arsenal squad. The likes of Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal filled in sporadically, but to no avail as the Gunners conceded a number of goals.
Arsenal’s conceded goals in the Premier League this season
With Gabriel's (usually referred to by his first name) impressive form for Villarreal leading to much attention and contributing to an unbeaten run that stretches back to early November, the Brazilian may be a shrewd signing for Arsenal.
Villarreal currently sit in sixth place in La Liga and are aiming to make a return to Europe's premier club competition after recovering from relegation in 2012.
Considering his form however, it is fair to ask whether Wenger sees Gabriel as simple cover for first choice pair Mertesacker and Koscielny, or if one of the current central defenders will be ushered out of the starting XI by the newcomer.
If Arsenal bow to Villarreal's demand and pay Gabriel's £15.6 million release clause, the fee would represent the biggest price tag Wenger and Arsenal have ever paid for a defender.
Gabriel vs Mertesacker vs Koscielny vs Chambers
Gabriel's ability in the air should see him manage the so called 'culture shock' of a move from Spain to the Premier League with relative ease.
Only Mertesacker has won more aerial duels than him out of Arsenal's current central defenders, which is largely due to his 6'5'' frame.
That fact that he averages more interceptions than Koscielny this season is remarkable given the consistency the Frenchman has shown in that area. Last season, no defender from the top seven Premier League clubs completed more interceptions than Arsenal's number six - a key feature to his game.
With a similar style of defending to Koscielny and standing at identical heights, you have to wonder whether the two will form a complimentary partnership. Mertesacker's lack of pace but impressive aerial ability work in tandem with Koscielny's agility and proactive defending.
However, with the German showing signs of waning this season, Wenger maybe preparing a contingency plan, by having a proactive pairing of Koscielny and Gabriel. This may allow the Gunners to play the high intensity pressing game Wenger has longed for, aided by a defence able to hold a high line with recovery pace to fall back on.
Moenchengladbach's Norwegian midfielder Havard Nordtveit (L) vies with Villarreal's Brazilian defender Gabriel …
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed on Thursday, rather unusually, that he is indeed in talks with Villarreal for defender Gabriel Paulista, after recent reports claimed a move was imminent.
Those reports maybe slightly premature with the Arsenal boss rating the move as 50:50, as the Gunners continue to haggle over the fee with the La Liga side.
Quite significantly however, anybody who closely follows Arsenal transfer stories will attest to the fact that a public acknowledgement from Wenger, that he's interested in a player usually suggests that the move maybe further down the line than the legendary boss is letting on.
A central defender was always priority for Arsenal this window after what was a shambolic end to the summer transfer window. Wenger addressed the attacking issues in his side by bringing in the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, and also recalling Joel Campbell.
However, the Frenchman failed to add another central defender having let Thomas Vermaelen leave for Barcelona which meant that Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were the only two recognized senior centre backs in the Arsenal squad. The likes of Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal filled in sporadically, but to no avail as the Gunners conceded a number of goals.
Arsenal’s conceded goals in the Premier League this season
With Gabriel's (usually referred to by his first name) impressive form for Villarreal leading to much attention and contributing to an unbeaten run that stretches back to early November, the Brazilian may be a shrewd signing for Arsenal.
Villarreal currently sit in sixth place in La Liga and are aiming to make a return to Europe's premier club competition after recovering from relegation in 2012.
Considering his form however, it is fair to ask whether Wenger sees Gabriel as simple cover for first choice pair Mertesacker and Koscielny, or if one of the current central defenders will be ushered out of the starting XI by the newcomer.
If Arsenal bow to Villarreal's demand and pay Gabriel's £15.6 million release clause, the fee would represent the biggest price tag Wenger and Arsenal have ever paid for a defender.
Gabriel vs Mertesacker vs Koscielny vs Chambers
Gabriel's ability in the air should see him manage the so called 'culture shock' of a move from Spain to the Premier League with relative ease.
Only Mertesacker has won more aerial duels than him out of Arsenal's current central defenders, which is largely due to his 6'5'' frame.
That fact that he averages more interceptions than Koscielny this season is remarkable given the consistency the Frenchman has shown in that area. Last season, no defender from the top seven Premier League clubs completed more interceptions than Arsenal's number six - a key feature to his game.
With a similar style of defending to Koscielny and standing at identical heights, you have to wonder whether the two will form a complimentary partnership. Mertesacker's lack of pace but impressive aerial ability work in tandem with Koscielny's agility and proactive defending.
However, with the German showing signs of waning this season, Wenger maybe preparing a contingency plan, by having a proactive pairing of Koscielny and Gabriel. This may allow the Gunners to play the high intensity pressing game Wenger has longed for, aided by a defence able to hold a high line with recovery pace to fall back on.
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