Baptista joined the English Premiership club on a years loan from Real Madrid and Arsenals Gilberto is looking forward to forming a formidable partnership with him in the Gunners midfield.

Since the departure of France star Vieira to Juventus last season, Arsene Wengers side have lacked a physical presence to compete with some of the Premierships more aggressive sides.

That absence of steel has seen Arsenal fall behind the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to challenge for Chelsea's Premiership title.

But Gilberto believes former Seville player Baptista, who got his first taste of life at the Emirates Stadium in Brazils 3-0 friendly win against Argentina on Sunday, can make the difference.

Gilberto said: "I think Julio will offer us a lot of things. Hes a fantastic player and will bring a lot of experience. He has got great strength and will be an important player for us.

"I will help him and introduce him to the club. I don't think he'll find any difficulty adapting to life here.

"I think he can replace Vieira. We need world class players to challenge the strong teams like Chelsea and Julio will help us do that.

"I spoke to him and he was happy to move to Arsenal because we have a good team. Now he has a good chance to play football and I will help him to settle.

"I have a responsibility to help him settle at the club. Edu helped me when I first came here and I will do the same for Julio."

Baptista claimed he would be happy to stay in London on a permanent basis and said: "I am very happy to sign a four year contract.

"But after the one year loan it is up to Arsenal to discuss with Real Madrid if they want to keep me. Hopefully they will say yes and I can stay.

"I am very humbled that Arsene Wenger was so interested in me. I will be very happy to stay here for a long time, as long as the club wants me.

"It was very nice and I am so happy to be made so welcome at my new ground. I just hope I am made to feel this welcome when I play in the Premiership. I am confident I will be a good acquisition to the team."

The surprise star of Brazils win over their old enemies was Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Elano, who scored twice in just his fourth appearance.

Elano admitted he could not have expected the match to go so well and said: "This is one of the happiest days of my life. It is like a dream, but it is actually a reality.

"(Brazil coach) Dunga told us to never give up and to be focused and never give up.

"I am proud that I did what he said. I played my part in a game that we deserved to win because we played the better football."