Theo Walcott says Gabriel’s arrival has increased the intensity of Arsenal’s training sessions.
The Brazilian centre back joined the Gunners on Wednesday and took part in training for the first time two days later.
Arsene Wenger confirmed Gabriel will be in Sunday’s squad to face Aston Villa but Walcott insists the new signing has already made a positive impact on the team.
"I’ve only trained with him once and he likes to put his foot in, that’s for sure"
“When an extra player is there, even when an injured player returns, it’s like a new player coming into the squad and it lifts everyone,” Walcott said. “It shows them that we want them to be a part of it.
“Can they cope with it? They can. That’s what it’s about. We always want that extra sharpness in training when a new player comes to make sure they’re ready to work and he definitely was.
“I’ve only trained with him once and he likes to put his foot in, that’s for sure. 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. Players that the boss plucks out seem to be good players so I’m sure he’s going to help us.”
Gabriel trains
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