Villarreal FC have released their squad for their upcoming game versus Levante at the weekend. It is to be noted that centre-back Gabriel Paulista did not make the 18 man squad for the game.

“The 18-man squad are as follows :
Goalkeepers: Juan Asenjo and Carlos.
Defenders:  Mario, Rukavina, Jaume Costa, Victor Ruiz, Dorado and Musacchio.
Midfielders:  Trigueros, Bruno, Jonathan dos Santos, Pina, Moi Gomez and Nahuel.
Forwards: Uche, Vietto, Gerard Moreno and Giovani.”

Paulista is in talks with Arsenal over a possible January switch and it had been reported earlier that talks were moving along nicely and that a deal may be in the offing.

These rumours may have even more truth to them with the line-up for the next game for Villarreal. Paulista is a regular for the team so to see him not in the squad, never mind the 18 man squad is very surprising.

It is looking increasingly likely that Paulista is now on his way to Arsenal as he would not be left out of the squad if he was fit to play as, like I said, he is a regular at the Spanish side.

On their website, Villarreal went on to list their injury concerns for the game, where Paulista was again not mentioned there.

“Injury concerns:

Jokic: I Disturbed by arthroscopy of the right knee.

Adrian Marin: Overload tensor fascia lata.”

Paulista’s omission from the Levante game makes it ever more likely that the switch to the North London outfit will be announced very soon.