Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has said Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish could be 'the future' for the Gunners, after his impressive displays this season.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's most in-form players so far this campaign with four goals and six assists in just seven matches.
His form earned him a debut England call-up in August for the following month's Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark, and sparked rumours surrounding a potential transfer to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Silva, who made 32 Premier League appearances during the North London club's 'invincible' 2003/04 season, believes Grealish would be a quality addition to Arteta's midfield for the foreseeable future, and provides what the Gunners currently lack.
"Grealish, amazing. It seems like he could be a player that Arsenal missed," Silva told The Invisible Wall podcast.
"With his ability, he was one of the guys in the middle who can play beautiful football. He controls the ball, assists and can score goals.
"He is slightly different from Dennis Bergkamp, but he could be somebody for the future at Arsenal."
Grealish starred during Villa's sensational 7-1 dismantling of defending Premier League champions Liverpool, claiming two goals and a hat-trick of assists.
However, Arsenal may find themselves priced out of a move for his services as Villa reportedly slapped an £80 million price tag on their star man during the summer.
He also penned a new long-term deal in September to tie him to the club until 2025, which is likely to make negotiations even more challenging.
The Gunners will return to Premier League action following the international break with a trip to Leeds United on Sunday 22 November.
