Gabriel Paulista could 'cost Arsenal goals', warns Arsene Wenger

Language barrier could be detrimental to the Gunners in the short term

(Arsenal.com)

Gabriel Paulista's lack of English could lead to Arsenal conceding goals, Arsene Wenger warned today.

The Brazilian defender joined the Gunners earlier this week from Villarreal in a deal understood to be worth around £13.5m.

The 24-year-old is seen as a hugely promising prospect but he could struggle in the short term according to the Arsenal manager.

"You always need time to adapt, especially in a defensive position because you need to know your partners," said the Frenchman.

"At the moment he does not speak a word of English and that can cost you goals, if you mix going forwards with going backwards, so you need to you need to communicate.

"We try to teach the important words, for example - offside or look at the linesman!"

Wenger looks likely to put Gabriel straight into the squad for Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa.

"He is a specialist at centre-back and with the fixtures we have in front of us, that is needed," said Wenger.

"What I saw was a great quality for a defender, his level of concentration.

"He is physically able to adapt to the Premier League because he is quite a good size and is quick as well, has great commitment in the challenges and is a good age for a central defender as well."