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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kwame Boakye

'Why not?' Arsenal hero Gilberto Silva makes Matheus Nunes claim amid transfer speculation

Gilberto Silva has claimed that Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes is tailor-made for the Premier League, and would be happy to see him at Arsenal.

The 23-year-old midfielder is rated as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, and was praised by Pep Guardiola for his performance against Manchester City last week.

Despite the fact that City beat Sporting 5-0 in their Champions League last-16 first leg, Guardiola praised the Portugal star’s performance against his side.

"Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today," he told reporters after the game.

A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Nunes and Gilberto is adamant he possesses the quality and experience to thrive in English football’s top flight.

“He plays in Portugal, he’s super adapted to the European game model and that wouldn’t be a barrier for him," he told Portuguese news outlet Record.

“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 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.”

Gilberto was also asked if he would be happy to see the Portugal star at Arsenal, to which he replied: “Why not?”

It’s believed Sporting would want around €30 million (£25m) to sell Nunes.

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