Arsenal confirm Gabriel Paulista signing

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee.

The Gunners have refused to reveal the length of the deal that the 24-year-old Brazilian has penned.

It is understood that Arsenal have paid around £15m for the centre-back, who was granted a work permit on Monday.

The deal has seen striker Joel Campbell move the other way on loan, with the Costa Rica international agreeing "a new long-term deal" at the Emirates Stadium ahead of his departure to Spain.

"A while ago I had a really huge desire to play in the Premier League, so since that point I put it in my head that I really wanted to do it," Gabriel told Arsenal's official website. "I had a talk with my family and I told them that it was my dream to play in the Premier League. Getting here to such a big club is so gratifying.

"I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a Gabriel with a great will to help everyone. Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important. I care more about helping the team and my teammates."

Gabriel, who leaves Villarreal following an 18-month spell at the La Liga club, is yet to represent his country at senior level.