Will Arsenal be paying over the odds for this defender?

Spanish football expert Terry Gibson believes £15 million for Arsenal target Gabriel Paulista is a lot of money to spend on the defender, despite comparing the 24-year-old to Real Madrid’s Pepe.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Brazilian this month, as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his defence for the remainder of the season.

It is thought Paulista has a £15.3 million release clause in his current deal at the Estadio El Madrigal and Arsenal are keen to activate it – even though they face problems obtaining a work permit for the versatile defender.

And despite likening him to Pepe, Gibson has doubts over the fee involved in this potential deal:

‘There is a strong likelihood [the move will happen] because Arsenal have the money. He’s a good player and very similar to Real Madrid’s Pepe.

‘He’s athletic, fast, good in the tackle and in the air. He’s made a big jump up though. They paid just under €3m for him 18 months ago. It’s only this season that’s he’s been a regular for Villarreal.’

He added:

‘£15million is a lot of money for Arsenal to pay. I’m convinced he’s going to be a good player. I’m just not sure if it’s the right time to do it, and about the fee involved. The jump is about €15-20million.’

Is £15 million a lot of money to Arsenal pay for the services of Paulista?

For me, I think £15 million for a defender who can play anywhere across the back four offers great value.

Yes, he has only played 45 games for Villarreal since joining the La Liga side in 2013 from Vitoria, but to be compared to Pepe must mean he has some promise about him.

Regardless of his experience and popularity, Wenger can develop him into a top defender – look what the Frenchman has done for Laurent Koscielny since he plucked him from obscurity in 2010, the centre-back is one of the best in the Premier League and attracted interest from Bayern Munich last year.

£15 million for a defender isn’t bad these days and if he’s as good as people make out then why not go for him before another club does.