Arsene Wenger has praised Gabriel Paulista’s ambition and focus - and believes he will quickly adapt to the Premier League.

The Brazilian centre back joined the club on Wednesday after an impressive two-year stint in La Liga with Villarreal.

Wenger is delighted to have signed the 24-year-old, and is confident Gabriel will make a big impact for the Gunners.

"He has good pace, he’s good in the challenge and he’s tall - so he can adapt to English football"

“He has good pace, he’s good in the challenge and he’s tall - so he can adapt to English football,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “Maybe it will take some time to adapt completely, but overall it’s very good to have him.

“He’s very ambitious, focused and serious. That’s important at a club like ours - you need to have a complete focus on your job. He has that.

“I like the players who come from nowhere and show they can adapt. From Brazil, he has [then] adapted to Spain. That means he has already made it and adapted in another country. That’s another important quality.

“We needed another centre back because we have lost Debuchy. Monreal can play centre back and we are a bit short there if something happens, especially with the Achilles [problem] of Koscielny since the start of the season.

“We needed some cover, or we would not be responsible. [Gabriel] can play right back and left back, and that is of course a good quality as well.”