4 months ago
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Arsenal have been urged to make a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro if Thomas Partey leaves the club this summer.
The Gunners are open to selling Partey during the summer transfer window and have been approached by several European clubs about a deal.
Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva believes Casemiro, who struggled at Old Trafford last season, would be a ‘very strong and stable option’ for his former club to replace Partey.
Casemiro enjoyed an encouraging first season at Manchester United after leaving Real Madrid in 2022 but endured a dismal 2023-24 campaign.
The 32-year-old, who lifted five Champions League trophies at the Bernabeu, especially struggled providing cover at centre-back, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claiming he was finished at the top level.
But Gilberto believes Casemiro only underperformed due to the chaos at Manchester United and would be a ‘good fit’ for Arsenal.
‘At Manchester United, we have to analyse the team itself and not players individually like Casemiro,’ the Brazilian told Bet365.
‘Manchester United didn’t have a good season until the very end, they had a few good performances but having a bad season like that impacts everyone.
‘At times I have seen him play out of his position and play as a centre-back. The team itself had to deal a lot with injuries as well which was very tough for the manager, but very tough for the squad as well.
‘Some players are impacted more than others and I was honestly surprised by how battered Casemiro was by pundits and commentators.
‘The season before last they loved him and now everyone is pointing the finger at him, blaming him for Manchester United’s season.
‘They need to just calm down and see the whole picture. You have to look at how United were performing as a team.
‘Look at the whole picture and then you see the effect of it. For me, Casemiro is still a good player. I don’t know whether he’s going to stay or not in the club, but he’s a player I would love to have on my team.
‘I think he still has the ability and capacity to stay in the Premier League, whether he’s going to be in United or any other club. It depends what he and the club want to do. I hope he can find a club that matches his expectations.’
Gilberto, who helped the Gunners win the Premier League in 2004, added: ‘Casemiro could be a good fit for Arsenal, let’s wait and see what happens.
‘It would be very interesting if Thomas Partey left the club. If that spot becomes available then it would be interesting to see Casemiro there, he would bring a very strong and stable option to their midfield.’
Casemiro is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer but has hit back at suggestions he can no longer play for a club like Manchester United.
‘I feel very well, very well,’ Casemiro told Sky Sports. ‘I’m really well, I feel healthy, with energy and the same mentality I always had.
‘I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it’s been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d’Or winners were over 34.
‘At Man City, there’s Kevin De Bruyne. [Mohamed] Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one’s game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game.
‘These are people who analyse football well, who see what’s happening, who know what’s happening, analysing not the age.
‘But I’m well, I’m happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League.
‘So, I’m happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game.’
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