Shropshire Star

Gabriel heading towards Arsenal exit

A move to Valencia is looking likely for the Brazilian.

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Arsenal defender Gabriel is closing in on a move to Valencia as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger begins the process of trimming his squad.

Wenger has made no secret of the fact he believes he has too many first-team players on the books at the Emirates Stadium.

The Frenchman hinted on Wednesday that he will be busy clearing the decks before the transfer window closes on August 31.

Gabriel Paulista
(Richard Sellers/EMPICS)

Speaking after the 4-1 Community Shield penalty shoot-out win over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea, Wenger said that Arsenal were looking to move on some of those deemed surplus to requirements.

“We’ll let some players go – 33 (players) is too high,” he said.

“Too much competition for places in detrimental.”

It now appears centre-back Gabriel will be the first of those to depart, although the likes of Lucas Perez, Calum Chambers and Joel Campbell are also staring at an Arsenal exit.

Press Association Sport understands a fee in the region of £10million has been agreed, with the Brazilian set to move to Valencia.

Gabriel joined Arsenal from Villarreal in January 2015 but never established himself as a first-choice option.

The 26-year-old has scored once in 64 appearances for the north London club and he has missed the start of the new season after sustaining a serious knee injury in the last Premier League game of the previous campaign.

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