Villarreal confirm deal in principle for Gabriel Paulista's transfer to Arsenal

Spanish club Villarreal have confirmed a deal in principle with Arsenal over the transfer of Gabriel Paulista to the Emirates Stadium.

There are still minor details of the deal to be sorted out and it is expected to be completed on Monday, after which the Brazilian defender will undergo a medical before signing for the Gunners.

"Villarreal CF and Arsenal FC have come to a preliminary agreement, which will be completed on Monday, for the transfer of Brazilian defender Gabriel Armando de Abreu. Once Gabriel passes the physical examination, he will join the Gunners in the Premier League," a statement on Villarreal's official site read.

The 24-year-old defender, who joined the La Liga club in 2013, has been a key player for the Yellow Submarine and has made 50 appearances for the club. This season, the club has the third best record for conceding the least amount of goals only behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"Villarreal wants to thank Gabriel for his dedication and professionalism during his time in the club and wishes him best of luck in his career," the statement concluded.

As part of the deal to bring the former EC Vitoria player to north London, Arsenal have agreed to let forward Joel Campbell join Villarreal on loan for the rest of the campaign.

"Villarreal CF and Arsenal FC have come to an agreement to loan Joel Campbell, who after the physical examination will play in the Submarine until the end of the season. The official presentation will be confirmed shortly," the club said on their official site.

The Costa Rican forward has struggled to get regular game time with the Gunners this season and is being loaned out yet again to add to his spells at Lorient, Real Betis and most recently with Olympiakos in Greece.