Arsenal Fans Blog

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has completed his move to Panathinaikos.

The 31-year-old passed a medical and signed a three-year deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1m.
"I'm hungry to win more titles," said Gilberto, who has now become the highest-paid player in Greece.

"I came to Greece because I have big ambitions, it's very important for me to be able to continue to give my best. I couldn't say no to the offer."

Gilberto was keen to join up with Panathinaikos boss Henk ten Cate, who left his post as Chelsea assistant coach at the end of last season.

"I'm sure we will qualify through to the group stages of the Champions League," added Gilberto. "I'm exited about being a Panathinaikos player."

The 31-year-old has followed AC Milan signing Flamini and Barcelona recruit Alexander Hleb out of the Emirates.

With the combative Mathieu Flamini having also left on a free transfer to AC Milan at the end of last season, Wenger must now rebuild the heartbeat of a team which set the early pace in the Premier League last season before eventually fading out of the title race.

Click the picture to Gilberto Special Pictures

Barcelona have set their sights on signing a striker from a top north London club, but instead of Emmanuel Adebayor being in their sights it is Dimitar Berbatov that is now the target.

The Blaugrana's technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, has held talks with coach Pep Guardiola and the pair believe that Bulgarian could well be the frontman they are looking for, according to Marca.

Berbatov's technique and ability to hold up the play and create goals is something that Begiristain sees as crucial to Barca next term, with Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi alongside him.

Adebayor was said to be the main target, but Arsenal are refusing to play ball and Barcelona do not believe that the Togo striker is worth the £30m asking price.