Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for a fee in the region of £13.4 million to finally add a defender to Arsene Wenger’s options after a squad that has been stretched because of injuries desperately needed reinforcements, but the work permit remains a troublesome factor in the deal, according to Metro.

The Gunners have been locked in negotiations for a considerable period of time with the Spanish outfit, and Wenger was having trouble explaining the delay. January transfer windows are always a tricky proposition for most clubs because the selling club is looking to not only squeeze every penny from the buyer, but also try and negotiate a deal for a replacement. Especially with a club like Arsenal, who are one of the wealthiest clubs in Europe, each selling club tries their best to increase the price of the player being sold in the winter period. Wenger admitted to the media that talks had been ongoing and until a few days earlier, the French manager said it could be a ’50-50’. However, Wenger has now said that he expects Paulista to join the squad sooner rather than later and will add immense quality to the back-line.

Paulista began his career in Brazil with Vitoria as a youth and a senior player before being snapped up by Villarreal in 2013. After 37 appearances in the league, the 24-year old is on his way to Arsenal.