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Better call Paul

Former Arsenal flop Gabriel Paulista ends two-year stint with the Gunners by joining Valencia

Brazilian joined the Emirates in 2015 but fell down the defensive pecking order under Arsene Wenger

FORMER Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee.

The Brazilian had fallen down the pecking order under Arsene Wenger at the Gunners.

 Gabriel Paulista has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee
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Gabriel Paulista has joined Valencia for an undisclosed feeCredit: EPA
 Gabriel Paulista is back in La Liga after leaving for Arsenal in 2015
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Gabriel Paulista is back in La Liga after leaving for Arsenal in 2015

The centre-half failed to really establish himself at the Emirates since joining from Villareal for £11.3m in 2015.

The 26-year-old had fallen behind Per Mertesacker, Rob Holding, Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal in defence.

But now he has the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate his career back in La Liga where it all started for him.

Before moving to Villarreal in 2013, Paulista was plying his trade with Brazilian side Vitoria.

In a statement posted on Arsenal's website it read: "The Sao Paulo-born defender made a total of 64 appearances for us, following his arrival from Villarreal in January 2015.

"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.

 Gabriel Paulista had fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal
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Gabriel Paulista had fallen down the pecking order at ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport

"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."

Wenger is trying to offload a number of flops this summer, which is proving more difficult than hoped.

Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy and Lucas Perez are all wanted off the wage bill.



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