Juventus in for ex Arsenal midfielder

By 1970’s Gooner

It was not so long ago that Gilberto Silva had been an Arsenal regular. But in the last transfer window Arsenal accepted an offer of £1.25m from Greek club Panathinaikos and Gilberto packed his bags and off he went to ply his trade with the Athens outfit.

Now only a few months into his new club come the news that Italian giants Juventus are seriously thinking about putting in a bid for the midfielder.

Claudio Ranieri the Juventus coach has, according to “Corriere dello Sport”, identified two areas that the team needs immediate strengthening and these are in defence and central midfield.

It has also been revealed that Juventus had tried to sign the player three years ago during his time at Arsenal and went as far as negotiating terms for his transfer but the deal fell through.

It is hoped that Panathinaikos may be willing to allow the transfer now that their progress in the knock out stages of the Champions League looks less likely with two defeats in two games.

However the Panathinaikos hierarchy have said that no offer has been received and they are in any case not interested.

The Italian press is valuing Gilberto at £7m! At this price maybe the Greek club would change their mind.

Another alternative for Juventus is believed to be Inter’s Dejan Stankovic (30)who is valued at £8.7m.

Gilberto is currently with the Brazil national squad for their two qualifying games against Venezuela and Colombia.

He has been praised by the Brazil coach, Dunga, for his contribution to the national team and his fatherly attitude towards the younger players called up in the squad.

“He offers maturity and experience to the rest of the squad but above all he is a wonderful person” he said.

Gilberto has been celebrating his 32nd birthday and his teammates presented him with a birthday cake.

Here are some of the pictures.










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