Neymar backed for sensational Arsenal transfer as Al-Hilal star told he's 'still the best Brazilian player' despite nightmare year in Saudi Pro League

Neymar moved to Hilal last summer but has played just five games for the club, due to a cruciate ligament tear sustained in September on international duty. He has not kicked a ball in anger since, but Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva remains convinced of his quality, and says he wants to see him at the Gunners.

Neymar has a contract in Saudi Arabia until 2025 and has already spoken of his desire to get back on the pitch with the club. Hilal won the league title in 2023-24 and the attacker has insisted that next season, he will play a key role.

In an exclusive interview courtesy of Bet365’s Copa America coverage, Gilberto Silva said: “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal, it would be interesting that’s for sure. It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world and to have him around would be great. Let's see. It's not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not.”

Neymar is continuing to rehabilitate ahead of next season. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will take Gilberto's advice and attempt to complete a stunning transfer.