Arsenal's Gabriel eyes 'battle' for Brazil berth

Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista on Sunday vowed to fight for a Brazil starting berth after receiving a late call-up for friendlies against France and Chile.

The 24-year-old was added to Brazil's 23-man squad last week after injuries to David Luiz, Marquinhos and Diego Tardelli.

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano and Corinthians centre-back Gil were also included.

Paris Saint-German's Thiago Silva and Atletico Madrid's Miranda are expected to be the first-choice centre-backs for coach Dunga, but Gabriel said he is ready to play if needed.

"There have always been a lot of options and they are players of the highest quality," Gabriel told Globoesporte.

"It's going to be a good battle. I'm here to try to earn my place with humility."

Gabriel joined Arsenal in January for 11 million pounds after an impressive 18-month spell with Spain's Villarreal.

He admitted that he has surprised even himself with his rapid development.

"When I arrived at Villarreal, I planned to stay for two years and then try to make a move to another big club," he said. "I stayed a year and a half and now I have this chance with the Brazilian team. Things have happened very quickly."

Brazil will meet France in Paris on March 26 before taking on Chile in London three days later. Endi