Mikael Silvestre: Eze could be a strong addition to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal title drive

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair discussed the Portugal teams Euro Championship campaign so far, the news about Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich as well as the futures of young starlets in Xavi Simmons, Joshua Zirkzee and Ebere Eze. 

Eze would be a strong addition to Arsenal

Eberechi Eze is one of the many Crystal Palace stars who has caught the eye of a number of clubs. The former Queens Park Rangers attacker made his England tournament debut when he came on off the bench for the 1-1 draw with Denmark. Silvestre claims that Eze has the quality to play for Arsenal and would be a strong addition to Mikael Arteta’s side. 

“He’s very good. He’s very good and it would be a strong addition to Arsenal.”

“And again. Not easy with Martinelli, Trossard, Saka, Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. When you go in there, if you want to play every weekend, you have to be ready to fight. It won’t be easy for places.” 

“But he’s got the quality to play for Arsenal. No doubt”

Neto capable of next step move from Wolves

Portugal fans will certainly be happy with their start to the tournament after their recent 3-0 win over Turkey thanks to goals from Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes. Roberto Martinez is certainly blessed when it comes to the talent through his squad and one of the stars to have shown glimpses of what he’s capable of has been Pedro Neto. Silvestre believes that Neto is very capable of playing for a multitude of clubs. Arsenal are said to be one of the sides interested in the services of Neto. 

“He can sign for many teams because he is performing. Whenever he came on, a lot of speed and sharpness, very direct and vertical and created a lot of opportunities.

“So very positive player and yeah, very good player at this moment in time in his career. So let’s see where he goes.”

Olise will face big competition at Bayern Munich

Last week saw well renowned transfer journalist David Ornstein drop the bombshell news that Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise will be joining Bayern Munich this summer. Olise returned from his injury during the second half of the season which coincided with some of the best results Crystal Palace have enjoyed in many a year. Silvestre warns Olise that making a move to a club of the stature of Bayern will lead to a competition for places which could impact his international career. 

“You need to play and there is competition for places at Bayern Munich.”

“Muller is not playing as much. So you still have Gnabry and Sane and Coman. It’s a big club. You have to make your mark and play because if you don’t play, then Didier won’t won’t call you up for the national team.”

Zirkzee ready for Manchester United move

Two Dutch players who impressed last season and seem to be on the transfer radar of both Manchester United and Arsenal are Xavi Simmons and Joshua Zirkzee. United have been heavily linked with Zirkzee and Silvestre claims the star is ready to make the step up and challenge Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford next season. 

“Joshua, I know well. He would be a very good addition. He’s ready to make the step. Young player, for the future.”

“He’s not going to score 25 goals this season, but he’s made a lot of progress, especially last season with Bologna. Yeah he, I would say, is a natural goalscorer.”

However, Silvestre casts his doubts on the potential move of Simons to United due to the emergence of Amad Diallo at the backend of last season.

“And for Simons you have Diallo that you have to make space for. So I’m not sure about Simons. It’s the right course for United because if you have, if you consider that you already have Antony and Diallo on the right side.”

“Simons prefers to play on the left side, to be honest. On the left, yeah you have Rashford. Martial is going. So It depends if Marcus goes or not. If he stays, that’s his position. So Simons could be coming in and competing there, or he can also play in the middle. So yeah, it could be good.” 

“I mean we have to look at these players, they’re young, and that’s what United need to go for. Building with young players because they’re not able to attract superstars and that’s not what they need anyway right now. I think not only because the manager is Dutch. I think they would fit in with the philosophy and the objective that the club wants to achieve.”