Arsenal

‘Neymar could be the key to complete Arsenal’ – Julio Baptista backs Gunners to make unhappy PSG forward smile again

Chris Burton
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Neymar could be the “key” to completing Arsenal’s bid to become Premier League champions again, Julio Baptista has told GOAL.

The Brazil international forward is seeing questions asked of his future at Paris Saint-Germain. Having struggled to win over a demanding fan base in the French capital, the 31-year-old may decide that the time has come to take on a new challenge.

Neymar has already seen Lionel Messi depart Parc des Princes, with it possible that Kylian Mbappe will be following him through the exits. Another high-profile departure could be put in place, with the most expensive player in world football mulling over his options.

Some of those are said to sit in England, with former Arsenal loanee Baptista of the opinion that a modern day icon – one looking to rediscover a lost spark – could be a shrewd addition for Mikel Arteta amid talk of a Premier League challenge being sought.

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  1. Fresh start
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    Fresh start

    Ex-Brazil international Baptista – speaking on behalf of Gambling Zone – told GOAL when asked what he would be telling Neymar if asked by a fellow countryman for future advice: “It’s interesting. I think Neymar is comfortable at PSG, but maybe the best move for him is to create a new atmosphere at a new club – maybe a club that supports him and gives him all the confidence that he needs. He doesn’t have that at PSG. The fans don’t like him a lot and maybe it is time to move on and try something different. Why not?”

  2. Gunner do it?
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    Gunner do it?

    Pressed further on whether Neymar would be a useful signing for Arsenal, Baptista added: “Why not? Arsenal is one of the best clubs in Europe. We know that the last eight or so years, Arsenal have not produced their best or been as competitive. But now, with Arteta, Arsenal have something different. They have started to construct something powerful. Why not? Maybe this could be the key. In Brazil we say that you have the house, you have everything, and you just need the key to open it. Maybe Neymar is the key to open and complete everything at Arsenal. He is an incredible player.”

  4. Familiar faces
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    Familiar faces

    Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes are already on the books at Emirates Stadium, with Baptista saying when asked if that Brazilian presence would make it easier for Neymar to settle in north London: “For sure. But more than that, I think the league would help him. If he is thinking about moving, then I think the best league for him would be the English league.”

  5. Happy days
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    Happy days

    Neymar is one of the most exciting talents in world football on his day, but he needs to feel valued in order to produce his best. He is someone – like fellow countryman Ronaldinho before him – that wants to play with a smile on his face. Baptista said when asked if Neymar can get that joy back: “When you don’t feel comfortable in one place, it’s time to move on. You move to another place and find the happiness that you need. Maybe at PSG he is not happy and he needs to try and find happiness somewhere else.”