Barcelona sports chief Eric Abidal has welcomed the arrival of Arturo Vidal.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder is seen as a direct replacement for Paulinho and the characteristics that Abidal listed of his new signing were remarkably similar to that of the recently sold Brazilian.

"Everyone knows the profile of the player because of his past," said Abidal.

"He is a player with character, who gives a lot in the centre of the pitch, not only in defence but in attack.

"[He brings] goals, that arrival into the box. A player with a profile like that, we know we need. He is happy here and wants to win titles."