Marcelino has revealed that Arsenal’s offer for Gabriel Paulista was too good for both the club and the player to resist.
Providing work permit issues are ironed out, the Brazilian defender will join the Gunners in a deal reportedly worth up to €20m, with Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell heading to El Madrigal on loan in the opposite direction.
“Gabriel’s departure surprised us all because we didn’t expect to make changes to the squad [in January],” the Coach said after Villarreal’s 1-0 win against Levante on Saturday.
“From a sporting point of view it’s unfortunate, but neither the club nor the player could afford to resist Arsenal’s offer. I wish him the greatest professional success.
“We’ll now seek a new centre-back. We have the resources to replace Gabriel, but finding a replacement won’t be easy because the level of demand [in top players] is increasing.
“[Joel Campbell] is an interesting signing for Villarreal because he can play several positions and has a different profile to the players we already have.”
Reflecting on the Yellow Submarine’s victory, Marcelino conceded his side were fortunate to emerge with all three points but was nonetheless grateful with the outcome.
“These three points are very important because they allow us to remain in a dynamic of extraordinary results,” he added.
"We expected a tough game. Winning in the Primera is very difficult. Levante already created us problems last season, and it was similar this time around.
“They bothered us a lot, but our individual quality [allowed us to be] successful.
“Winning three straight matches at home is very difficult. We got them all in just one week, but it wasn’t one of our best matches.”
