Valencia lining up offer for Arsenal centre-half Gabriel Paulista

Valencia are reportedly considering a summer swoop for Brazil defender Gabriel Paulista, according to the Evening Standard.

The La Liga outfit, who finished 12th in the Spanish top-flight standings last term, have been linked with the out-of-favour Arsenal defender ahead of the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The 26-year-old, who was called up to Brazil’s national team squad back in March 2015, but is yet to make his international debut, made 27 appearances in all competitions for The Gunners last season, who finished fifth in the Premier League table.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista.

Gabriel, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium back in January 2015 following his reported £11.3m switch from Villarreal, has scored one goal in 64 games overall for Arsene Wenger’s side, winning two FA Cups and the FA Community Shield.

Despite the centre-half still being sidelined with a knee injury, the report suggests Valencia are ready to make a move for the Arsenal player, who is expected to see his first-team opportunities limited ahead of the new season.