Arsenal land Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista

Arsenal FC have added to their defensive options with the capture of Villarreal CF centre-back Gabriel Paulista. Gunners forward Joel Campbell earlier joined the Yellow Submarine on loan until the end of the season as part of the agreement, having first signed a new long-term contract with the north London club.

Villarreal announced on Saturday evening that an undisclosed deal for the €15m-rated defender had been agreed in principle, though it was only confirmed on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Gabriel came to Villarreal in 2013 from Salvador-based EC Vitória; he leaves El Madrigal after 37 Liga appearances – including 19 in 2014/15 – and with a burgeoning reputation.

"I am arriving at a big club and the fans can expect to find a player with a great will to help everyone," said the Brazilian. "Not just thinking of me as an individual, because to me that is not important; I care more about helping the team and my team-mates. I want to help everyone, so the fans can expect a Gabriel that has a lot of desire to help the team win important things."

Arsène Wenger admitted last week that it would be a gamble not to bring in a new defender this month. Injuries to Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy have depleted Arsenal this season. "If we have another injury or two we will struggle. It is risky [not to sign anyone] – too risky," the manager said.

Costa Rica striker Campbell, who returned to Arsenal after spending last term on loan in Greece with Olympiacos FC, has not scored in ten outings this campaign. The 22-year-old has played in Spain before, having been at Real Betis Balompié in 2012/13.