Arsene Wenger admits that Gabriel’s lack of English isn’t ideal but has reiterated that the Brazilian is working hard to improve his language skills.

The centre-back signed from Villarreal 13 months ago and has since consolidated his credentials as a genuine option in the heart of Arsenal’s defence alongside Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

That said, his muddled performance in the defeat against Manchester United has again raised questions about his ability to understand and communicate with his teammates.

Questioned on the matter in his pre-Swansea press conference, Arsene Wenger agreed that in an ideal world his £11 million signing would be fluent by now.

“I would prefer him to have better English because in a fraction of a second somebody can help you.”

The boss added: “He has Nacho Monreal outside him who can speak to him in Spanish. He is working very hard on his English and is improving every day.”

Earlier in the season Petr Cech revealed that he opts to speak in the native tongue of his defenders to aid their organisation.