Arsenal sells Gabriel Paulista to Valencia
Gabriel Paulista is on his way back to Spain with news that Arsenal has sold the Brazilian to Valencia for an undisclosed fee.
According to ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia, Valencia is believed to have paid €12 million to complete the transfer.
Los Che revealed the central defender has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until 2022 and includes a buyout clause worth €80 million.
The transfer will reunite Gabriel, who will be unveiled Saturday at the team's training ground, with his former Villarreal manager Marcelino.
"I'm very happy and delighted," Paulista told reporters Thursday. "I've spoken to Marcelino on several occasions and I know his method of work."
A statement on Arsenal's website reads: "For many supporters, his finest performance in an Arsenal shirt came in last season's Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, when his aerial dominance and tough tackling helped put us on our way to the final.
"We would like to thank Gabriel for his contribution to the club and to wish him well for his return to La Liga with Valencia."
The 26-year-old made 64 appearances for Arsenal following his winter transfer from Villarreal in 2015.