Arsenal vice-captain Gilberto has
admitted his admiration for Juventus, but insists any decision over
his future will be entirely in the hands of The Gunners.
The Brazilian international has long been linked with a possible
move to Turin in the summer as it is believed that Bianconeri coach
Didier Deschamps has targeted him as a central part of his
rebuilding plans.
Providing they win promotion from Serie B this season, Juve will be
looking to assemble a squad capable of immediately challenging for
honours in the top-flight and Gilberto's presence would give them
an aura of calm in the centre of midfield.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger only recently denied speculation that
Gilberto could be sold at the end of the season, and the player
himself insists that the London club will have the final say over
where his future lies.
However, the Italian rumour mill has hit overdrive with Gilberto's
comments that the Bianconeri are an appealing proposition.
"Juventus are a great club that want to return to winning ways,"
Gilberto told Corriere dello Sport.
"Furthermore, it is Emerson's former club and there are many
Brazilians starring in the Italian championship.
"I have a contract until 2009, and Arsenal will decide [what
happens]."
Even though Gilberto has now turned 30, it remains to be seen
whether Wenger would be prepared to lose another key midfielder to
Juve after selling former captain Patrick Vieira to the Italian
giants in the summer of 2005.
The decision could be taken out of the Frenchman's hands if
Gilberto opts to invoke a Fifa regulation that could see him leave
for as little as £1.7million, but the player's agent is remaining
coy over talk of a summer exit.
"He likes it at Arsenal and there is a contract in place for
another two years," said Paulo Villana.
"This is the current situation, but as you know anything can change
in life and football is part of life."