The Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo has been on international duty with the ex-Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, and according to Silva, Melo has asked him about moving to the Gunners. A report on the BBC said: Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva says he has urged his Brazil team-mate Felipe Melo to join the Gunners this summer.
The Gunners are reported to have made a substantial offer for Fiorentina’s 25-year-old holding midfielder.
“We heard rumours and he asked me. I said it’s a fantastic club and if he’s interested he should go without thinking,” Silva told BBC Sport.
“He is exactly what they need – a powerful player with quality.”
Gilberto, who left the Gunners for Panathinaikos in Greece last summer, added: “If they got him it would be great because he is a player they need at the moment.
“I’m sure if they got him it would be a good signing. I have told him Arsenal is a great club and I am sure next season they will improve.”
The 32-year-old Silva, who spent six seasons with the Gunners, played alongside Melo in Brazil’s Confederations Cup final win over the US and said he had been impressed with his side-kick throughout the tournament.
“He is a very good player,” said Silva after his side’s 3-2 win at Ellis Park on Sunday.
“Felipe has shown in the national team that he has personality and quality.
“I am sure he has a lot more to grow as well. He is a young player, strong, powerful and has a good quality in his pass.
“My partnership with him works well and I hope we can carry on doing well for Brazil.”
The Gunners are reported to face competition from La Liga and Champions League champions Barcelona for Melo’s signature.
Melo – has played only one season for Fiorentina – after joining the Italian side from Spain’s Almeria last summer.
He has a reputation as a fiery midfielder and in his first season in Serie A collected 17 yellow cards and three reds.
Melo sounds exactly like the kind of player Wenger is looking for. Will he be a hit at the Emirates?
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Tags: Arsenal, Brazil, fiorentina, Melo