Gilberto joined Arsenal in 2002 from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro

Brazilian international Gilberto Silva says he will consider leaving Arsenal at the end of the season if he fails to break back into the first team.

The midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place this season with Arsene Wenger often preferring Mathieu Flamini ahead of the Brazilian.

"I will wait until the end of the season and then make my decision," said the 31-year-old Gilberto.

"If a good opportunity comes along then I don't see any other option."

I'm trying to adjust to the situation, but I confess it's not been easy Gilberto

Gilberto also lost the club captaincy to William Gallas at the start of the season and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the Brazilian just seven league starts all season.

Flamini has formed an impressive midfield partnership with Cesc Fabregas to help Arsenal challenge at the top of the Premier League and also help them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

606: DEBATE Should Gilberto stay or should he go?

Back in November Gilberto said he was happy to stay and fight for his place, but it now appears he wants to leave at the end of the current campaign.

"I love the club and Arsene Wenger is a good man and a good manager", he added.

"But there are only two months to go and I haven't played much.

"I'm trying to adjust to the situation, but I confess it's not been easy."

Wenger signed Gilberto from Brazilian club side Atletico Mineiro in 2002 after he impressed at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

He still has a year to run on his current contract but has been linked with Italian and Spanish clubs.