Gunners find Silva lining

Arsenal fans still lamenting the loss of Patrick Vieira will have been lifted by today’s news that Gilberto has pledged his long-term future to the club.

Gilberto, whose existing contract was set to expire at the end of the season, has put pen to paper on an improved deal which will keep the industrious 28-year-old midfielder at Highbury until 2009.

A club statement read: “Arsenal are delighted to announce that Gilberto has signed a long-term extension to his contract.

“Everyone at Arsenal is looking forward to enjoying Gilberto’s continued contribution in the forthcoming seasons.”

The importance of Gilberto’s decision to sign on for another three years can not be over-stated with Arsenal still trying to adapt to life without former skipper Vieira.

Arsene Wenger’s decision to sell Vieira to Juventus for £13.7m (€20.3m) in July sent shockwaves around Highbury and with Edu also departing for Valencia, debate raged over who would become the Frenchman’s successor.

Several players, including Julio Baptista and Jermaine Jenas, were linked with a move to north London while the inexperienced Cesc Faregas and Mathieu Flamini were touted as possible replacements.

But it has been Brazil international Gilberto who has filled Vieira’s shoes since the season began, adding steel to the Arsenal midfield and shielding his back four.

Gilberto’s recent form and impressive record at Highbury convinced Wenger he is the club’s new midfield general and his experience will aid the development of the promising Fabregas, 18, and Flamini, 21.

With Vieira and Edu leaving over the summer, Gilberto became the senior member of Arsenal’s midfield – a position the powerfully-built ball-winner admitted recently he enjoys.

“It’s much more responsibility for me but I’m very confident I can do my best for the team,” he said.

“I am the oldest in my position but it doesn’t matter who I play with because they are good players.

“Cesc and Mathieu areyoung but they have shown how good they are and that’s why the boss has confidence in them.

“Of course we have missed Patrick and Edu because they are fantastic players and fantastic people. If anyone was down in the dressing room then Patrick would help them. But we need to continue.”

Gilberto joined Arsenal from Atletico Mineiro for £4.5m (€6.6m) in July 2002, shortly after featuring in every minute of Brazil’s victories World Cup campaign.

He has made 120 appearances for the club, securing two FA Cup winner’s medals, and was part of the side which won the 2003-04 Barclays Premiership without losing a single match.

Last season was marred by a fractured vertebrae which kept him out for six months but it did not take him long to readjust upon his return in April.