Gabriel Paulista closing in on £11.2m Arsenal transfer as Brazilian defender is granted UK work permit

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Gabriel Paulista has been granted a UK work permit, clearing the path for him to complete an £11.2million switch to Arsenal.

The Villarreal defender is completing his medical and provided the procedure doesn't flag up any issues, the 24-year-old will seal his move to the Emirates on Monday.

There were fears that Paulista would be denied a work permit due to the fact he has not played international football.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been keen on a move to bring Gabriel Paulista to the club from Villarreal

The Brazilian defender will be looking to bolster Arsenal's defensive ranks when the move goes through

However, the application for the Brazilian has been approved and he is now virtually certain to complete his switch from Spain.

Speaking about the move on Sunday, Wenger said: 'The deal is on the line and should move over the line overnight.' 

Paulista is expected to join the club imminently with Joel Campbell joining the La Liga side on loan for the remainder of the season as part of the agreement.

The 24-year-old Paulita in action for his side in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Getafe

Wenger has previously confirmed Arsenal are in talks to sign the Villarreal centre back

Joel Campbell will join Villarreal on loan until the end of the season as part of Paulista's deal to join Arsenal

The news comes after Paulista was left out of Villarreal's 18-man squad to face Levante at El Madrigal on Saturday night, increasing speculation that the Brazilian was closing in on a move to the Emirates.

The La Liga side confirmed the news on their official Twitter account saying: 'The principle of agreement for the transfer of Gabriel with @Arsenal has been completed. He will say his goodbyes today before the party. good luck!'

They also announced the signing of Campbell adding: 'Welcome @joel_campbell12 to Villarreal as Arsenal agree to loan the player until the end of the season!'