Former Arsenal midfielder and legend Gilberto Silva has suggested the Gunners to check out Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes. The former Brazil international wants his compatriot to join the North London club when the transfer window re-opens again.
Nunes caught the eyes of the Premier League scouts during Sporting Lisbon’s match against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg clash between the two teams.
City boss Pep Guardiola mentioned his name after the game and showered praise in a game that the Citizens won 5-0 to end the tie in the first leg. according to One Football Guardiola said, “Matheus Nunes is one of the best midfielders 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.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva also supports the claim made by Guardiola and believes in the young midfielder’s potential. When asked whether he can feature in the Premier League or not, Gilberto Silva replied, “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.”
The Brazilian also added how City boss Pep Guardiola does not go around praising players from teams he plays against. So he must have seen talent in the youngster to make such claims.
“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 former Arsenal man added.
According to the Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha, Manchester City are one of the biggest admirers of the Brazilian midfielder. Arsenal have now joined the long list. It will be interesting to see where he lands up ahead of the start of next season. Some reports even suggest that Premier League outfits Everton are also interested in the 23-year-old.
Nunes signed a new contract last year with the new deal putting on a €60 million release clause on the 23-year-old midfielder’s contract.
