24.01.2015 22:08 h

Villarreal agree Gabriel deal with Arsenal

Gabriel will join Arsenal
Gabriel will join Arsenal

La Liga side Villarreal announced on Saturday that they have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista.

As part of the deal, Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell will join Villarreal on loan for the rest of the season.

Paulista wasn't included for Villarreal's home game against Levante on Saturday.

"Agreement in principle for the transfer of Gabriel to Arsenal, who will say goodbye after today's game. We wish him all the best," said a statement on Villarreal's official Twitter account.

"Welcome to Joel Campbell. Loan agreement with Arsenal for the rest of the season," the club added.

Paulista started his career with Vitoria in his homeland before joining Villarreal at the start of last season.

However, he has played a more important role during the current campaign, starting every league match until Saturday as Villarreal put together a 16-game unbeaten run to move up to sixth in La Liga and progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and last 32 of the Europa League.

Campbell has continued to see his opportunities at Arsenal limited this season despite a starring role as Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup last year.

The 22-year-old also has experience of La Liga having spent a year on loan with Real Betis during the 2012-13 season.