Arsenal and other PL sides reportedly want ace David Beckham once raved about

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Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Thiago Silva on a free transfer this summer, along with a number of other Premier League clubs – and David Beckham once claimed the Brazilian is the best defender in the world.

Silva, 35, will leave PSG this summer after French newspaper L’Equipe reported his contract would not be extended beyond June. With the French Ligue 1 season already coming to a halt, Silva has played his last game for PSG.

Football website 90Min have claimed that 88-time Brazil international Silva is a target for five Premier League sides this summer in the form of Arsenal, as well as Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Wolves.

Silva played alongside Beckham during a brief spell in 2013, before the former England captain retired. A year later in 2014, Beckham was quoted by Samba Foot as claiming that Silva was the best defender in the world.

“The owners that run the club, they want the best and they’ve got the best,” Beckham told BeIN Sport, as per Samba Foot. “They’ve got such a strong unit with strong players. Thiago Silva is the best defender in the world.”

TBR’s view – Silva would be a stunning Arsenal addition

Arsenal need to solve their defensive woes at the back. It has been years since Arsenal were considered rock-solid at the back, and a leader with no defensive frailties is needed. But in this market, can they afford to add that?

So, being able to bring in that type of player on a free should be a no-brainer. Silva is certainly that type of player, with Beckham’s claim certainly fair – though it was six years ago.

Yes, his contract is likely to be enormous and Silva is 35 years of age now, but even in the Champions League this season, Silva would be a top addition for Arsenal – and would bring the best out of his teammates.