[theo kawala]

Brazil Under-19s captain Denilson hopes it will not be long before the Arsenal fans get the chance to see him in first-team action.

The combative midfielder joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day from his home-town club of Sao Paulo.

Denilson, 18, caught the eye of European scouts when he played against Liverpool in the 2005 FIFA Club World Championships and then helped Brazil reach the final of the Under-17 World Cup in Peru.

His first taste of English football came with a run-out for the reserves against Portsmouth at Barnet in late September - and the hungry youngster has targeted the Carling Cup tie against West Brom for a competitive full debut.

He explained: "It has been a dream for me since I was young to play in Europe, but I never imagined I could sign for a club like Arsenal so early in my career.

"I am going to try to my maximum and I want my football to mature here

"I really think I can become a champion with Arsenal and make it into one of the best players in the world."

Denilson told Arsenal TV Online: "The manager has said I have real quality, with a good touch and good technique.

"He says that now I just have to adapt so I can start to play in the first team.

"In Brazil, you would not really get kicks like I did for the reserves - if a player had done that to me at home, then he probably would have got a red card.

"But this is English football, the players are very strong and the tackles are very strong. You just have to take one or two touches so you do not get tackled in the same way."

Denilson declared: "I have been working hard to play in the Carling Cup and am hoping that with my persistence, I could get a chance."

There is now a strong South American contingent within the Arsenal ranks, Julio Baptista having joined compatriot Gilberto following his own deadline day switch from Real Madrid.

Denilson admits he now feels part of the Gunners "family".

He said: "It is good for me that Gilberto and Julio Baptista are here," the youngster

"They talk to me about life at Arsenal, ask me if I am happy and understand things.

"Arsenal have treated me very, very well and have made me feel part of the family."

Arsenal return to domestic action against Watford at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, before travelling to Moscow ahead of their Champions League trip on October 17.

Manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping his jet-setting international players return unscathed.

There is already a concern over midfielder Freddie Ljungberg, who picked up a calf problem and has returned to his club for treatment after being ruled out of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland on Wednesday.

[King of Kings]

I am looking forward to watching him. He was sensational in the clips that I have seen

[theo kawala]

on youtube i have seen how good he is and will clim up the charts and will get as good as fabregas

[goldenHuddlestone]

I think he's being trained to replace Gilberto

[theo kawala]

he should he would be as good as a makelele

[waynelyp90]

i think he is not replacing who or who but he will be a great addition to Arsenal. Hope he will mature quick and break into Arsenal's starting XI.

[theo kawala]

whe gilberto goes he will be his long term replacement