Manchester United could be set to hijack Arsenal’s move for Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, according to the Daily Star.
The uncapped Brazilian had appeared to be closing in on a switch to the Gunners, despite no guarantee of a work permit being issued by the Home Office.
However, the English newspaper has now dropped a bombshell with the revelation that United are readying a counter-offer for the 24-year-old.
Manager Louis van Gaal is believed to be a staunch admirer of Gabriel and would meet the Yellow Submarine‘s reported €20m asking price.
The news comes after Arsene Wenger confirmed on Thursday that talks between Arsenal and Villarreal were going well.
“The talks are progressing quite well. Can we find an agreement or not I don't know,” the Frenchman was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“We are slowly progressing and there is a chance. [It’s] 50-50. We are ready to pay the price we think right for a good player.”
Gabriel joined Villarreal in July 2013 from Brazilian side Vitoria for a reported €3.3m and has formed part of La Liga‘s third-strongest defence this season.
