LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expressed cautious optimism over his side's move for Villarreal's Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Paulista on Thursday, describing the transfer as "50-50". Gabriel, 24, reportedly has a release clause of 20 million euros ($23.3 million) in his contract, but British press reports claim Arsenal have offered a fee rising to around 13 million euros. Any deal would also be contingent on the player being granted a work permit by the British government. Gabriel does not meet the automatic requirements because he is not yet a full international. "We are talking at the moment. Can we find an agreement or not? I don't know. We are slowly progressing, but there is a chance," Wenger said. Asked about the chances of a deal going through, he replied: "50-50 at this moment, yes.”