Arsenal Transfer News: Gabriel Paulista Wants Move, New Nicolas Otamendi Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly "offering around £5 million plus extras" to sign Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista, while Arsene Wenger is also "keeping tabs" on Valencia centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

The Gunners have suffered a slew of defensive injuries this season. This is highlighted by Hector Bellerin's start at right-back against Manchester City, a player who would likely miss out if Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers were fully fit.

Despite Arsenal comfortably winning the game 2-0 thanks to a hard-working performance, Wenger can't afford to compromise when it comes to signing new defensive-minded players. His side have conceded the same amount as 14th-placed Aston Villa this season. A poor Manchester United defence has let in four fewer, so there's no time for Wenger to bask in the glory of victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Paulista has admitted that he would like to link up with Wenger's side. "If I go to Arsenal it will be excellent," he said, per Cross. "But if it's not finalised, then I am relaxed. I am focused on my work here."

The defender has impressed at the heart of Villarreal's back four this season. The 24-year-old has racked up 26 appearances in all competitions, posting an average of one tackle and 3.9 interceptions across each, per WhoScored.com. The Brazilian is versatile and can also be deployed on the left, making him a potential bargain if Wenger decides to act.

Otamendi has enjoyed a stormer of a season for Valencia so far. His ability to read the game and make last-ditch tackles has helped push Nuno Espirito Santo's side to within three points of the Champions League places, while his dominant aerial ability provides a sense of calm at the back.

The Argentinian has also proved to be a scorer of big goals, netting the third during Valencia's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid back in October and heading the winner against Real Madrid on Jan. 4. United are said to be courting the 26-year-old, who has progressed toward peak form in a campaign that promises much for the side.

Wenger hinted that Arsenal's performance against City is now the standard they will be judged against for the rest of the season.

"The five months in front of us are very important in the lifespan of the team," said the boss, reported by Tom Williams of the Agence-France Presse (h/t Eurosport). "What you make of that will of course decide our season. Games like that can help [you] to do very well."

Another top performance will be needed during the next Premier League away clash against Tottenham Hotspur. City lacked tempo and appeared rusty throughout their loss to the Gunners, perhaps due to Yaya Toure being away on international duty and players such as Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero struggling for fitness. 

Arsenal need another display of this calibre to prove it wasn't an opportune one-off. B/R UK's James McNicholas recently discussed a handful of players who could improve the team's chances:

With United also looking for defenders and battling to attain Champions League football, January signings could be key. Either Wenger or Louis van Gaal could come under major pressure if he fails to bring in new faces and eventually misses out on a top-four finish. Both their sides are craving additional talent and have shown themselves to be vulnerable on a regular basis.

The City win shouldn't overshadow this for Wenger, whose prolonged tenure as boss may be defined by whom he brings in during the next two weeks.