Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has suggested that Cesc Fabregas should stay at Arsenal (6/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League) rather than move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
Fabregas has been strongly linked with a return to the club where he started his career as a youngster.
However, Silva, who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Greek side Panathinaikos, believes the Arsenal captain should stay at the Gunners.
He said: “I hope he stays. He is a big person and must ask himself and think very carefully if he has to go or not.”
“But of course the final decision (is something) he has to do. In case this situation happens, it will be a big blow for Arsenal. But let’s wait and see,” he added.
Barcelona have already had a £30m bid turned down for the Fabregas but have stated that they will continue their efforts to sign the player during this summer’s World Cup.
The 23-year-old is currently preparing for Spain’s opening game of the tournament, which is against Switzerland on June 16.
Fabregas will be looking to feature in the starting line up for a side that are seen as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup on July 11.
Spain (18/5 to win the World Cup) have been bolstered by the return of Fabregas who fractured his fibula playing in the Champions League against Barcelona.
Liverpool’s Fernando Torres has also returned from injury however Andres Iniesta could miss out on the opener against the Swiss after picking up a leg injury against Poland.
Fabregas featured for the first time since the injury against South Korea and came close to hitting the back of the net after hitting the crossbar in a match the Spanish won 1-0.
Former team-mate Silva is also preparing for the World Cup with another side who are tipped to well in the tournament in South Africa.
Brazil face Group G minnows North Korea in their opening game and will look to put their stamp on the competition. The 33-year-old believes the Samba boys can live up to the expectations that they face before every World Cup.
He said: “Of course, in our squad everyone is happy to be here and to represent our country.
“But we know our responsibility in the game and what it means to all of us what it means to wear this shirt.”
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