Arsene Wenger brought the 18-year-old midfielder from Sao Paulo despite his low profile, continuing his policy of signing talented teenagers and developing them in the club.

"To be honest I don't know him, I have heard about him, but I don't know him that much," Gilberto told Sky Sports Network.

But Gilberto, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, said he trusts Wenger's choices.

"If he (Denilson) is joining Arsenal it is because he is a good player," he said.

"Arsene is very careful when he tries to bring a player for the team because he has observed him for a long, long time."

Wenger has a history of scooping youngsters who have turned to superstars such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit.

Others like Cesc Fabregas, Philippe Senderos, Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue are on their way to stardom as well after being discovered and unleashed by the French tactician.