The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) have expressed grave concern over the latest twist in the on-off transfer of Nicolas Anelka.

Serie A club Lazio pulled out of a £22 million deal to take the young Frenchman from Highbury and manager Arsene Wenger claimed: "There are only two solutions left for him. We will sell him or he will not play at all."

Now the PFA look set to intervene and help negotiate both Anelka and Arsenal out of the deadlock, which is threatening the 20-year-old's career.

"We don't like to see this situation. We want to see everybody getting on with their lives," PFA deputy chief executive Brendon Batson said. "It is a bit like a divorce. The sooner it is resolved, the better it is for all those involved.

"It is a matter of dialogue. If we can help the situation that is what we are there for."

Meanwhile, Arsenal's first boy from Brazil has promised manager Wenger: "I'm here to stay."

Silvinho, the £4 million summer capture from top Sao Paulo club Corinthians, insisted: "I know about the other players from Brazil who have come to England and soon left again but that will not happen with me. I am aware of the challenges and the life I must adapt to, but I know I can overcome any problems that arise."

Gerard Houllier is still adamant Liverpool are not yet good enough to challenge Manchester United for this season's Premiership title.

"The squad is generally between 19 and 26 and needs some experience. Some have not played in the Premiership - realistically you can't expect us to challenge Manchester United yet," he said.