Where will Gilberto go now?

[unitedfan]

Brazilian midfielder Gilberto admits it will be 'inevitable' that he is forced to leave Arsenal if he continues to be left out by manager Arsene Wenger.



Gilberto joined the Gunners in 2002 and, prior to this season, had been a regular in Wenger's first-team.


However, the 31-year-old has been frozen out in the current campaign following the fine form of Mathieu Flamini.


And Gilberto has revealed he has yet to receive an explanation from Wenger for his snub.



No explanation


"To this day I'm waiting for an explanation as to this change. The truth is I found out about it through the newspapers," Gilberto told The Sun.


"I thought I had a good season last year and I saw no reason for what has happened. If I continue not to play, then leaving Arsenal is inevitable.


"I could not cope with another season like this one when Wenger has made me feel totally useless.


"A player must be able to smile. A sad Brazilian is no good, especially on a football pitch. Right now I really am struggling to battle on."

Sky Sports | Football | Premier League | Arsenal | Gilberto - I feel useless


Gilberto looks almost a certainty to be off right now. Where do you think he will end up?

[Arsenal007]

He is upset but where else would he go!

[G-R87]

He was Arsenal's tallisman during the end of Henry's stay at the club. IMO he was a better captain than Henry and I'm sure he will earn a place in the first team squad.

[unitedfan]

I personally think he'll leave, and if there aren't any suitors in Spain or Italy (which there could well be) then Brazil would be a likely destination.

His age and Wenger's preference of young players considered, I can't see him staying. Earning his place back? When was the last time anyone who fell out of favour with Wenger earned their place back?

[oxfordblues]

Back to Brazil

[Mighty T.A.L.]

He will not be a loss for Arsenal. He have nothing more to contribute with as Arsenal have better players than him in his position. He's too slow.

[Arsenal007]

i honestly have written him off a long time ago.

[NimcHE]

Gilberto will go, he cant own his place back on first squad!!!

[Dellas]

I personally thought that he would have left Arsenal in the Jan transfer window but he didn't, so i expect him to leave asap. Perhaps his chance of going to Spain or italy was lost so he will go back to Brazil...noy sure where he will end up only time will tell.

[Dellas]

Gilberto retained?


Wenger does not believe that Flamini's exit means a central midfielder must be brought in this summer, citing Denilson, Abou Diaby and Alex Song as possible replacements.


He is also hopeful that Brazilian Gilberto may still be at the club next term.


"I personally would like him to stay but he has to make a decision on that - I want him to feel comfortable," concluded Wenger.


"I like Gilberto and since he has been playing again he has shown how good he is as a player, but we will see."

source: Sky Sports | Football | Serie A | News | Wenger rejects Hleb reports

well interesting turn around...now that flamini has left, Gilberto might earn his spot back, that is of course if they don't go and buy any new dm...

He is better imo than diaby and Denilson so if no one knew is brought in, I would expect him to start next season.

[Arsenal007]

Wenger isnt stupid, Gilberto will not be a starter for Arsenal ever again. He has too many youngsters that could move up, not to mention now with people jumping ship, we will buy more this summer for sure!

[unitedfan]

Still don't think he'll get the main role back. I just think Wenger would sooner start Diaby or Denilson then revert back to Gilberto. Perhaps he could stay on as cover, but if he did that, it'd just be more of the same problem next season.

[Arsenal007]

I wonder if we let me him go, if we would free up some good money for a solid player.

[NJ10]

Gilberto for me doesnt fit in with the football Wenger likes to play. He cant move the ball quickly enough, and lacks not just pace, but dynamism. I think Gilberto is best suited to playing in a three man centre midfield, with two runners next to him. It did look a while back as though Wenger was toying with the idea of using him as centre half, he has changed players' positions before with decent success (Lauren & Toure spring immediately to mind), maybe Gilberto as a CB cover would save him a few quid that way....

I definitely think Wenger will be bringing in a centre midfielder in the summer. Diaby & Denilson have their qualities but whether they can do it for a whole month, let alone a season, is still debatable.

[Trim]

Gilberto Ready To Renew Vows With Arsenal

Gilberto Silva has said he wants to stay at the Arsenal this summer despite having side the better part of last season warming the bench at the Emirates.

The 31-year-old had been effectively displaced by Flamini this season, but with the Frenchman having jumped ship to Milan, Gilberto is no longer considered suprlus to demands.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently declared that the Brazilian midfielder still has an important role to play at the club and he will be delighted to hear that Gilberto is still committed to the cause.

"Maybe in the next few days we will sit down and see what will happen with my future," said Gilberto.

"Arsene has my number and I have his number, and I can come back and solve the situation, but I have still got one more year on my contract.

"I have always expressed the desire to stay here to the end of my career. If that happens, it would be fantastic," he added.

"I have been here six seasons now and it has all been amazing.

"I would be very happy to stay here and then discuss another contract to the end of my career."

Goal.com - Arsenal - Gilberto Ready To Renew Vows With Arsenal