Arsenal are clearly on a high at the moment after defeating Manchester City with a wonderful performance on Sunday. However, the win should not distract away from the fact that the Gunners still need reinforcements in order to secure their place in the top four and signing a new central defender is of primary importance.
Therefore a host of central defenders have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times and it was reported that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had identified Villarreal star Gabriel Paulista as his top target this month.
Wenger had eyed Gabriel Paulista as his primary target
To hand a further boost to Arsenal’s hopes of landing Paulista, the player himself went on to say that he was keen on a move to London before revealing that his agent is working towards facilitating the deal. Following Paulista’s admission, it seems only a matter of time before the 24-year old will be joining Arsenal and a fee of around £16million has been quoted.
To provide a twist to the story though, it has now emerged that Arsenal’s bitter rivals Manchester United have joined the race to sign Paulista as well and will now provide competition to the Gunners for the young defender’s signature.
United looking to steal Paulista under Arsenal’s noses
According to respected Spanish journalist, Guillem Balague, United are intent on gazumping Arsenal’s move for Paulista and have already launched their pursuit in a bid to sign the defender.
Paulista has been one of the revelations of La Liga this season, playing a key role in Villarreal’s fine campaign so far and it has been no surprise to see the two biggest clubs in England expressing their interest in the defender.
It is clear that United’s defence needs strengthening and the Red Devils had targeted the likes of Mats Hummels, Diego Godin and Marquinhos as a result. However, United are unlikely to be able to lure the aforementioned trio to the club in January and Paulista could well serve as a very good alternative.
