Valencia are reportedly ‘one step’ from signing Gabriel Paulista from Arsenal, the Spanish press reports.
According to Plaza Desportiva, the deal is close to being done for a little over €10m, with sources confirming to the outlet that the defender will indeed play for the Mestalla club this season.
The signing is said to be demanded by manager Marcelino García Toral, who previously worked with Gabriel at Villarreal.
Talks started a few weeks ago and the transfer is now on the verge of becoming official.
The Brazilian left Villarreal to join Arsenal in a €15m deal during the January 2015 transfer window. Despite not being a huge disappointment, he never managed to overly impress either, and would now seemingly like to be more than a squad player.
Gabriel is set to join Valencia alongside Inter Milan defender Jeison Murillo. Meanwhile, Argentine centre-back Ezequial Garay is expected to leave the La Liga side.
