Gilberto Silva has urged Arsenal to build their midfield around Mohamed Elneny.
The Egypt international has forced his way into Mikel Arteta's plans this season after returning from a productive loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas.
Elneny starred in the 1-0 win over Manchester United last month and looks set to play some part in Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, after being replaced early in the second half against Rapid Wien.
And Gilberto, who forged a highly successful partnership with Patrick Vieira during his time at Arsenal, believes it is Elneny who should be the anchor in the Gunners' midfield, with other players to slot in around him.
"Before they signed Thomas Partey, I'd spoken many times about Arsenal's need to bring in another central midfielder, and they're unlucky their new signing has been out with an injury recently," Gilberto told Ladbrokes.
"Granit Xhaka has been the regular player in that position in the last couple of years. But Partey played alongside Mohamed Elneny in Arsenal's game against Manchester United a few weeks ago and I thought they worked really well as a partnership, despite the fact that they're not the kind of players who get that much credit for the jobs they do - Elneny especially.
"But I think he can be a key player for Arsenal this year. He's not an inconsistent player, he always performs well and in that role you need someone who is going to consistently do a job for the team.
"It's an area of the pitch where you need stability, and I think that Elneny could be the player who fits that role alongside Xhaka or Partey.
"Every good team is very strong at the back, that back three or back four, and then equally as strong in the middle of the pitch.
"After that, you worry about the forward players. Arsenal have the forward players who are capable of performing well and scoring goals, but they need to strengthen the middle part of the field."
A player whose future remains uncertain at the Emirates is Lucas Torreira, who fell out of favour under Arteta last season and was loaned to Atletico Madrid in the summer.
But Gilberto believes the Uruguayan still has a future in north London, and should be given another chance to prove his talent.
"I think Lucas Torreira had a good start to his career at Arsenal," he added. "He played some really good games, but then last season he played some not-so-good games and was dropped to the bench as a result. In the end he moved to Atletico Madrid on loan but I still believe he has a chance at Arsenal.
"At some point players will believe they don't have a chance at a team - especially when a new manager comes in - but Torreira definitely has quality. He's a great player."
