Wenger is aware of Gilberto's qualities and has ensured he remains an important part of his future thinking by handing him a new deal which ties the player to the club until the summer of 2009. A statement on Arsenal's website read: "Arsenal is delighted to announce that Gilberto has signed a long term extension to his contract with the club until 2009. "Everyone at Arsenal is looking forward to enjoying Gilberto's continued contribution in the forthcoming seasons."
This is great news for Arsenal because this season Gilberto has performed to his full potential and has been one of few good players this so far this season at Highbury. Gilberto is now thirty years old and I think that this contract will see him through to the end of his playing days and that he will finish his good carrer at Arsenal.