Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has praised the capture of Gabriel Paulista, saying the Brazilian defender could be "a special talent."
In his new role as one of Sky Sports' senior TV pundits, the former French ace described the centre-back as "tall and pacy with good potential," and that Paulista's arrival could be the boost that Arsenal need in order to strengthen their current campaign.
Henry continued his praise of the defender at a Football Writers' Association event in London, per Sky Sports, explaining the skill set of the new recruit and his trust in the manager:
"Arsene [Wenger] knows what he needs. He obviously thinks the team is lacking a centre-back. Arsenal are going to get a young but polished player. I've heard he is a special talent."
Petros Karadjias/Associated Press
Paulista has starred for Villarreal this season, with the club currently one of the best defensive teams in La Liga.
The Valencian team have conceded a mere 17 goals in their 20 domestic league matches this term, per BBC Sport, which is a better record than champions Atletico Madrid's current tally and just one more goal than Real Madrid.
Despite the defender being a major contributor to this success, former Gunners player Charlie Nicholas has warned that not too much should be expected of the Brazilian at such an early stage of his Premier League career, per Sky Sports:
He's getting better and better but I think he's still raw, Villarreal play an Arsenal-type game—pass and move—but he's not a natural passing centre-back; he's a physical presence.Yes, Arsene Wenger has bought Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, but defensively, he likes to create rather than buy superstars. He can certainly nurture this lad but he needs time—maybe into next season.
Paul White/Associated Press
In other news, Arsenal are being linked with a potential move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, with Los Blancos refusing to rule out if they will sell the player.
Alex Harris of the Daily Star says fresh reports in Spain believe theGalacticos are undecided on whether or not to retain the French international and could "cash in at the end of the current campaign with his value at it's peak."
Benzema has grown in stature during his time in the Spanish capital since signing from Lyon in 2009.
Paul White/Associated Press
The attacker was a major part of Madrid's La Decima Champions League success last season, forming a devastating triangular strike-force with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Benzema has scored 81 La Liga goals in 176 appearances for the royal club of Spanish football and will command approximately a £40 million transfer fee to move, per Harris.
Harris also explains the player is contracted to Madrid until 2019, but Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain will all fight Arsenal for his services if he comes onto the market.
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Benzema would be a sensational capture for Wenger, and he'd be the world-class striker Arsenal fans have always dreamed of having.
As a younger player, Benzema was always criticised for his work rate and inconsistent finishing, but now at 27 years old he is fully in his prime.
The Frenchman would not only score goals for Gunners, but his threat would also allow Alexis Sanchez and company to operate within the space behind him.
This element alone would make Arsenal one of the most dangerous teams on the planet, with the best form of defence being attack when you have such riches.
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