Gabriel Paulista is to be given the number five shirt, formerly worn by Steve Bould, Martin Keown and Thomas Vermaelen and the Brazilian is all but set to step into the shoes of the aforementioned legends as his transfer will shortly be made official by the North London club.

As you read, the Brazilian might already have undergone his medical at Arsenal ahead of his proposed multi-million move to Arsenal.

He was initially believed to face work-permit issues, but Arsene Wenger rubbished such claims by stating that his deal would have gone through by today.

“Yes, the reports are accurate. It’s very, very, very close and it should be done tomorrow. We will be all right on that front.”

Thierry Henry and a few other Arsenal legends have expressed their approval for Arsene Wenger’s decision to bring down the defender, who does not have much experience on the European soil. The Frenchman himself has heaped praise on the 24-year-old centreback stating that he has enough potential to become a hit in Premier League.

“He is player who is 24-years-old, he is a good size, good pace and is a good defender. He plays only for one year in Europe, maybe there are some things to work on, but the potential is there.”

Gabriel Paulista is a natural centreback, but he can also play along the flank and is expected to be a part of the Gunners line-up for their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa this weekend.