Theo Walcott is confident that new Arsenal teammate Gabriel Paulista has the physicality necessary to enjoy a smooth transition to Premier League football.

The 24-year-old defender sealed an £11.2m switch from La Liga side Villarreal this week in a deal that saw Joel Campbell move in the opposite direction on loan.

The Brazilian could make his debut in this afternoon's visit of Aston Villa, and Walcott believes that Gabriel has the attributes to thrive in the English game.

"I've only trained with him once and he likes to put his foot in, that's for sure," he told the club's official website.

"He's not afraid to do that which is good, especially in the Premier League where you need to get stuck into your tackles.

"He's very tall - I didn't realise how tall he was. He'll only be tested when he plays in the Premier League. It will take time coming from a different country to learn the language, the culture, so everyone will be patient with him."

Gabriel will wear the number five shirt, which was left vacant by former captain Thomas Vermaelen upon him joining Barcelona in the summer.