Neymar chose to move to Saudi Arabia last summer but has since been linked with a move back to Europe and now the Premier League with Arsenal among those mentioned
Arsenal have been urged to consider a move for Neymar (Image: Getty Images)
Gilberto Silva has admitted he would “love” to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal and claimed it would not be “impossible” for a potential transfer to be agreed.
Neymar, 32, endured a horror first season at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after moving from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Brazilian played just five matches – scoring one goal and adding three assists – before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee last October.
He underwent surgery and has not featured since, subsequently missing Copa America with Brazil this summer. Despite this, Neymar is on his way back to full fitness with the ex-Barcelona forward eyeing a return in pre-season, as Al-Hilal prepare to defend the Saudi Pro League title.
However, former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has suggested that a potential move to the Gunners is very much feasible for Neymar, who spent a decade in Europe prior to his move to the Middle East.
Gilberto said: “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure. It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special.
“When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world and to have him around would be great. Let’s see. It’s not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not.”
Neymar has even referenced Arsenal as a possible destination, admitting while at Barcelona that a future move to North London wouldn’t be off the table.
“The Premier League is a championship that amazes me,” he revealed at the time. “I like the playing style and the teams. And who knows? Someday, I would like to play [in] it, yes. I admire Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool – these are the teams that are always there fighting.”
There was some uncertainty when Neymar swapped PSG for Al-Hilal last summer, with many Brazilian supporters questioning why he made the move.
“When Neymar decided to go to Saudi Arabia, the view from many Brazilians was not the best regarding the level of competition,” Gilberto added. “It was a decision that he made and hopefully this doesn’t impact his performances. It’s tough, especially now because he got injured and then he can’t do anything. However, you could be in Europe and get injured and then have to recover as well.
“I do believe Neymar. I do believe he has the potential to hit back against the negativity around him because in my opinion he’s still the best Brazilian player at the moment. He has ability that not many players in the world have. It’s just about him getting back to fitness, recovering properly and focusing on what he has to do.”
Arsenal are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to compete for the Premier League title once again next season. The Gunners are hoping to sign a new centre forward with Joshua Zirkzee, Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak among those linked.