Gilberto Silva gives approval to Arsenal transfer option hailed by Pep Guardiola

Arsenal target Matheus Nunes has been backed to excel in the Premier League by former Gunner Gilberto Silva.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder is fast becoming one of the most sought after players across Europe following a rapid rise in Portugal.

Arsenal are among those linked with the 23-year-old, who helped Sporting win the league last term.

Gilberto was a commanding influence in the middle of the park during a lengthy period with the Gunners are knows exactly what it takes to be a success in England's top flight.

Nunes recently drew big praise from Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, despite playing in a team that were beaten 5-0 in the Champions League.

Gilberto has now followed in Guardiola's lead and backed the Sporting star to cut it if he moved to England.

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"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."

After the recent Champions League clash between City and Sporting Guardiola told reporters: "Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world today."

Nunes was linked with a move to Everton back in the summer but showed no interest in making the switch to England when quizzed on the rumours.

He said previously: "To be honest the only thing that came to me was Everton's interest but nothing happened as I was on vacation.

"And my agent knows I don't want to have that kind of distraction while I'm relaxed and recovering.

"There was talk of Everton, but in the meantime I came back and nothing else happened."

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have been Arsenal's go to pair at the base of midfield this season.

Sambi Lokonga was also bought in back in the summer and acts as another option.

Xhaka's future has long been a source of speculation and the Swiss midfielder spoke openly about a potential switch to Roma before the season started.

Any departure from the Emirates may well force Mikel Arteta to respond in the market, which could see Nunes' name again