‘Doing great’: Gilberto Silva stunned by one Arsenal player ahead of Spurs clash

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Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has waxed lyrical about Gunners forward Gabriel Jesus, in conversation with The Mirror.

Just a few months ago, Arsenal were in dire straits regarding their centre-forward options.

Alexandre Lacazette was leaving and Eddie Nketiah’s future was uncertain.

And Arsenal’s decision to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang go in January appeared to have backfired.

The Gunners failed to replace him and ended up only just missing out on a Champions League spot.

To Tottenham, no less.

But now, it looks as though Arsenal’s decision to play the long game has reaped dividends.

The Gunners held out for a striker of the highest quality, and duly got him in Jesus.

The Brazil international hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium with a hatful of goals in pre-season.

He took that form into the season proper, with four goals and three assists from eight outings so far.

Jesus will fancy his chances of making the Brazil squad for the World Cup, which kicks off next month.

Admittedly, it’s not a certainty – he missed out on the squad for their latest international break.

It wasn’t just Jesus – Gabriel Martinelli and defender Gabriel Magalhaes also failed to make the cut.

However, that’s not to say they won’t make the squad for Qatar 2022.

“Doing well”

Gilberto, speaking at the premiere of documentary ‘Brazil 2002: The Real Story’, gave his verdict on Arsenal’s Brazilian attacking duo.

He acknowledged that Brazil have a lot of attacking choices, making it hard for Tite to make his final picks.

However, the Arsenal icon seems optimistic Jesus and Martinelli could make it – if they keep doing well.

“There’s many [attackers], we have many,” said Gilberto.

“It’s hard work for Tite to choose who’s going to play.

“Jesus is doing great.

“I think it was good for him to move to Arsenal because he can be one of the main guys.

“Martinelli is [also] doing well.

“If they are going to get the chance to be in the team for the World Cup, it’s about them – to keep working well.

“They were out from the last game, but it’s about them to keep working.”

It’s going to get hectic – TBR View

With the World Cup bisecting the domestic season, there’ll be a lot of pressure on Arsenal’s Qatar 2022 hopefuls.

Not only is this their last chance to impress their respective international managers, but they must do so during a ridiculously busy and crucial club schedule.

Fingers crossed Arsenal’s Brazilian contingent can do it – they may not be shoo-ins, but they’ve got the quality and attitude to get over the line.