Gilberto rumours persist
March 15, 2007
Rumours from Italy keep stirring. Apparently, Gilberto could be prised away from Arsenal for a few million pounds. Some say that Juventus will get Gilberto, while others suggest that it’s an anonymous bidder. It is likely that Wenger will be EXTREMELY reluctant to sell Gilberto. He’s arguably Arsenal’s most senior figure, and with Henry out injured for ages, it makes no sense for Arsenal to let Gilberto go.
Gilberto is contracted to Arsenal until 2009, and while I can’t personally say whether he wants to leave or not, he has said in the past that he wishes to see his career out with Arsenal. Plus, would Gilberto want to sign for the same team who bought Patrick Vieira then proceded to get beaten by Arsenal and get relegated to Série B? Doubtful indeed.
If Gilberto wants more money than he is currently earning at Arsenal, he may go. But knowing Gilberto, I would say that this is unlikely to happen. Every season at Arsenal is a “new challenge” for Gilberto, as he becomes more and more senior, taking on younger and younger players. He has settled into Arsenal, and so why would he want to move to Juventus for three years – just for a bit of extra cash? He is not that type of character.
I believe that Gilberto will not leave Arsenal this summer, or indeed any summer until 2009 when he will move back to Brazil.