Gilberto backs Arsenal to sign 23-year-old, just a week after Guardiola called him ‘one of the best in the world’

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Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has backed Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes to join the Gunners in the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been one of the best players in Liga NOS over the last two years. He has been absolutely phenomenal for the Verde e Brancos and even helped them win the Portuguese league title last season.

Nunes has caught the eye of multiple top clubs across Europe. Even Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of him. The Manchester City boss was really impressed with the midfielder’s display in the Champions League last week, even though Sporting lost the game 5-0.

“Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today. Despite the difficulties and some mistakes, I have to be very satisfied because we took a big step towards the next round. Nunes is one of the best at the moment,” Guardiola said, as per One Football.

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Gilberto backs Arsenal to sign Matheus Nunes

Speaking to Portuguese newspaper Record (Tuesday, February 22, 2022, page 24), Gilberto said: “I think so (can play in the Premier League). He (Nunes) plays in Portugal, he’s super adapted to the European game model and that wouldn’t be a barrier for him.

“The Premier League is the most difficult championship in the world, due to the quality of the players and teams and where the coaches are considered the best in the world.

“And when the praise comes from Pep Guardiola, the world stops to listen and the attention is redoubled. And if Pep says that, it’s because he understands that Matheus Nunes can reach that level. I hope to see Matheus Nunes soon in the Premier League.”

The journalist immediately asked: “At your Arsenal?” Gilberto, a legendary Gunners midfielder himself, replied: “Why not?”

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Nunes, still only 23, is one of the finest players in the Portuguese top-flight at the moment. He has been phenomenal for Sporting over the last 18 months and a big move is right around the corner for him.

It’s very uncommon for a player to receive praise after a 5-0 drubbing at home. However, Nunes earned incredible plaudits from Guardiola, arguably the greatest manager in world football today. That should fill him with a ton of confidence.

Arsenal will need a new midfielder in the summer. Granit Xhaka is rumoured to be on his way out while Mohamed Elneny is set to walk away following the end of his contract in July.

Edu will be on the lookout for a new man in the middle of the park and Guardiola comments, combined with a few words of advice from his former Invincibles pal Gilberto, could well tempt him to make a move for Nunes.

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