Arsenal's protracted move for Gabriel Paulista has been completed, with the Brazilian defender arriving in a deal which will see Joel Campbell complete the season on loan at Villarreal.

The 24-year-old's arrival has been far from straightforward due to work permit complications, although the Gunners successfully argued the centre-back was an exceptional talent who will benefit the Premier League.

That development paved the way for Gabriel to complete formalities on Wednesday, joining from Villarreal in a deal reportedly worth €20million.

The move has seen Campbell move to Spain on loan for the rest of the season, although the Costa Rica winger penned a new long-term deal at Arsenal before departing.

Meanwhile Aston Villa are back in the running to sign Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair.

The club have resumed talks with City over a possible move for the Etihad misfit, it has emerged.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said last week any deal for Sinclair was dead but it has now been revived, with a loan the most likely outcome.

Sinclair has made just three starts since signing for City from Swansea in 2012 and 19 appearances in total.

He has played only four games this season — a total of 25 minutes — and has not featured for Manuel Pellegrini this year.

Sinclair spent last season on loan at West Brom, where he made 11 appearances and failed to make an impact at The Hawthorns.

The former Chelsea trainee would become Villa's second signing of the transfer window after Carles Gil joined from Valencia earlier this month.

Villa, who go to Arsenal on Sunday, are in desperate need of goals, having scored just 11 in the Barclays Premier League this season, and want to bring in more creative players in January.