YOUNG midfielder Denilson admits he would love to emulate club legend Patrick Vieira's achievements at Arsenal.

Frenchman Vieira spent nine glorious years with the north Londoners, a period in which the club won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, and saw the tough-tackling midfielder make over 400 appearances.

He was recently voted fifth in the all-team greatest Gunners list.

And Denilson - who has become a regular fixture in Arsene Wenger's team following the summer depature of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan - is longing to follow suit.

"Any comparisons with Vieira are great for me because he was really a player that left his mark on this club," said the Brazilian, who has hit two goals in his last two games.

"He helped Arsenal to achieve beautiful things so it’s an important reference for me.

"But it’s the same with Gilberto Silva. He is also an example for me to follow.

"They have both made their mark and now it is my time to write my history in the pages of Arsenal."

And, having finally managed to nail down a regular starting berth at the Emirates, 20-year-old Denilson is not going to relinquish his position easily.

"I am very happy with what I’ve been doing on the pitch," he said.

"It has been a great start for me and for the team. As games go by, I get more confident."

He added: "I hope to keep giving good performances to our fans."