Arsenal have finally confirmed the signing of Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal for £13.4 million, meaning Arsene Wenger has added two new faces this month with Krystian Bielik being the other purchase – but it seems the Frenchman is not finished just yet, with reports suggesting he is considering a move for Valencia starlet Jose Luis Gaya.
Wenger remains optimistic he can pull off a bargain buy by landing the 19-year-old for £13.5 million – which is reportedly the youngster’s release clause in his current contract.
The left-back is highly-rated and considered one of the brightest talents to emerge on the seen in Spain.
Valencia are desperate to keep Gaya, with reports claiming the La Liga club want to increase the player’s current release clause. But if they fail to do so and Arsenal meet the £13.5 million figure, then the La Liga club have no choice but to let the Gunners speak to Gaya over a possible move.
But should Arsenal trigger Gaya’s £13.5 million release clause? Is the Spain Under-21 international worth his value?
Gaya has been at Valencia since 2006 and progressed through the ranks. He was introduced into the B side in 2012, where he made 65 appearances and made his senior debut in a cup game in the 2012/13 season. He managed another four appearances last season but this campaign has already featured 20 times in La Liga.
The 5’7’’ full-back is known for his pace and direct running, and is a consistent performer – hence his inclusion in the first-team this season at Valencia. Gaya has potential to become a very good player in the near future if he develops in the right way and would thrive at Arsenal, honing his talent at the infamous academy.
£13.5 million is not a huge sum of money to spend on a player – Wenger has spent such a fee on young players like Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past, and although we could do with another left-back, would Gaya represent a bargain at £13.5 million?
If he is highly thought of in Spain and Valencia are desperate to keep him at the Mestalla, then why not meet his release clause and nab him at £13.5 million before his value increases?
I like wat arsene wenger it doing for is fan now,more play to buy especially defence midfield,WELCOME GABERIÉL
Hoping he signs a gaya
If we can get him, buy him. His value will skyrocket in the next few years as he develops. There is need to secure that defence for the near future and signings like this is the way too go. Go Arsene and welcome Gabriel.
We have 2 quality left backs. Could do better but it’s not a weakness. 13.5m could be better spent elsewhere or saved for elsewhere.
I know it’s nice to play fantasy football but there is a budget. Do you really want a 19year old left back that won’t be a consistent starter or more money to get Khedira or Schneiderlin in the summer? I just don’t think it’s a sensible use of funds.
Well the guy is 4 defenders roled into one, which means every defender we have is covered if injured. This makes him value for money.