Mikael Silvestre urges Arteta to target Douglas Luiz and Marc Guehi

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair discussed recent comments from Didier Deschamps about William Saliba, the future of Douglas Luiz and Marc Guehi as well as Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Brentford this weekend.

In this article:

• William Saliba needs to be patient
• Douglas Luiz’s Brazilian Connection Could Help Arsenal
• Mission Marc Guehi Approved
• Martinelli stars as a centre forward
• Arsenal vs Brentford Preview
• Safer Gambling

William Saliba needs to be patient

Since the beginning of last season Willaim Saliba has established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading centre halves. His ability on the ball in conjunction with his calming presence and physical capabilities have helped to stabilise the Arsenal backline.

France manager Didier Deschamps recently said that William Saliba plays better for Arsenal as he has no competition for his starting spot there, as opposed to at the national level where he competes with Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano. Silvestre claims Saliba needs to show patience in his desire to be a starting centre back for his national team.

“It’s tough to play for the French national team. There’s a lot of competition and William has had a lot of game time with Arsenal but not so much with the French national team. So he just has to be patient, continue with his development and focus on getting better and better.”

“Time is on his side. The other guys are young as well but if he keeps performing the way he’s doing with Arsenal and they win titles, he’ll have more chances to play for France for sure.”

Douglas Luiz’s Brazilian Connection Could Help Arsenal

With Thomas Partey looking to be a long-term layoff, Arsenal’s priority in January is likely to bring a defensive midfielder with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz a primary target. Luiz has enjoyed a fine start to the season with Villa who currently sit fifth in the league.

The Brazilian has been a standout at the heart of the Villa midfield and has six goals to his name. Silvestre feels as though the Brazilian connection that has been harnessed at the club would only be supplemented by the addition of Luiz.

“I think I’d go for Douglas Luiz even though it’s a close call between him and Ruben Neves.”

“Maybe because there is Brazilian connection at Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, I would go for Douglas Luiz. I would add a fourth Brazilian.”

Mission Marc Guehi Approved

Arsenal are also said to be eyeing a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. Guehi’s form for The Eagles has helped him to establish himself in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Could he be a good fit under Mikel Arteta? And could he push both Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the Arsenal defence?

“I think Marc Guehi is doing really well at the moment and for sure, Arsenal should be, for him personally, an objective. Champions League, title contenders. Could be Arsenal or could be other teams in the PL or abroad.”

“He has definitely proven he’s on the rise.”

Martinelli stars as a centre forward

Gabriel Martinelli recently started as a centre-forward for Brazil and scored in their 2-1 loss to Colombia. The winger broke the deadlock after just four minutes in the World Cup qualifier against Columbia in only his second start for Brazil. Brazil media were full of praise for his performance and it has led to talk as to whether centre forward is something he is capable of fulfilling on a permanent basis.

“I think he can play both roles. As a No.9, obviously he’s not a hold-up play specialist, he’s going to make the runs.”

“I think it’s harder to defend against someone who has more balance than a target man.”

“So, it’s an asset for sure. He can play three positions up top and for any manager, it’s great to have players with such versatility.”

Arsenal vs Brentford Preview

The Gunners are travelling to Brentford this weekend. They’ve been handed a boost with the news that Martin Odegaard is set to return from a hip injury. The creative midfielder, who had missed Arsenal’s last three fixtures, will be a handy inclusion against a tough Brentford side.

“After the international break where everyone’s involved in intense qualification games, it will be a tough one for Arsenal at Brentford.”

“They’ve had some difficulty there on occasions. They will be tested there but I expect them to win comfortably.”

“So hopefully they are ready to fight because Brentford will be ready to do so.”

SAFER GAMBLING

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