Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes talks are “progressing” with Villarreal with regards to signing defender Gabriel Paulista.

The French tactician has been impressed with what he has seen from the 24-year-old in La Liga this term and it is believed Arsenal have triggered the £15m release clause in his contract.

Wenger has been keen to bolster his options at the heart of his defence and Paulista would certainly add competition for the centre-back role at the Emirates.

The Arsenal boss has spoken openly about his club’s interest in the Villarreal man and hopes a deal can be agreed in the coming days.

Wenger said: “The talks are progressing quite well. I don’t think there is need to say much more.

“We are talking at the moment, whether we can find an agreement or not, I don’t know.

“We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance. At the moment we are talking. The 20 million is euros, it’s £15m to transform the amount.

“We are ready to pay the price we think right for a good player, no matter what the price is. If we think it’s the right price we will pay.”

Wenger will be hoping he can get a deal over the line in time to have Paulista available for their next Premier League outing against Aston Villa on February 1.

The Gunners are 1.23 to win, 5.80 to draw and 11.82 to lose to Villa at the Emirates.