According to Spanish newspaper Marca, it seems as though Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista has hinted at a move to the Premier League. The Spanish source is claiming that Paulista wishes to play in England at some stage stating: “Gabriel dreams of playing in the Premier League (League)”.

This news follows reports that the Gunners were in fact interested in the Villarreal centre back. Arsenal are in need of another centre back following constant injury setbacks in their squad all season.

Paulista has been receiving interest from other top clubs such as Barcelona according to the source; however it is a move to England which Paulista is attracted to most.

Marca highlighted the comments made by Paulista in Italy about his hopes of playing in England and indicated that this could be the player stating he would prefer a move to Arsenal over Villarreal.

If Paulista was to move within this window or the next, they are heavily boosted by the fact Barcelona are under a transfer ban following their recruitment of overseas youngsters. This would mean that the Gunners would have less competition in the chase for his signature, which is always a positive.

The newspaper also claims that the recent speculation linking Paulista to Arsenal has only motivated the player more and since then, has put in better performances for his Villarreal side. The improved performances could well help him force a move to the Emirates however the issue of his work permit is still prominent. If his performance awards him a Brazil call-up however, it would certainly ease his work permit problems- should he not have a European passport.

Paulista is certainly a player showing some promise in La Liga but the English Premier League is a much tougher task so it remains to be seen whether the young centre back would suit the English style of play.