Silva advises Melo for Gunners move

Former Arsenal player and captain Gilberto Silva has advised his Brazilian team-mate Felipe Melo to make a move for the London based club.

The Fiorentina midfielder has been linked with a move from the Serie A club to Emirates Stadium this summer, with rumors going strong after the midfielder’s good display in the domestic campaign, followed by the recent success at the Confederations Cup 2009.

But last week his spokesman told the player is settled in Italy.

However, team-mate Gilberto, who left the Gunners for Panathinaikos last summer, has spoken with his compatriot Melo and suggested he should sign for Arsenal.

“We heard rumours and he asked me. I said it’s a fantastic club and if he’s interested he should go without thinking,” said Gilberto.

“He is exactly what they need – a powerful player with quality.”

“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.”