Ex-Gunner Julio Baptista played for Bolton Wanderers’ u23 squad amid rumours that he’s set to join the club permanently.

According to BBC Sport, the former Arsenal striker featured in Bolton’s u23 match against QPR on Monday, after spending some time in training with the development squad.

Baptista reportedly impressed fans with his passing, although it didn’t seem like he was fit enough to join the first-team yet and should have done better with a second-half chance.

It makes sense that the Brazilian might be a bit off the pace given he’s 35 years of age, let alone having been a free agent since he left Orlando City last November, so he hasn’t had many chances to play competitive football of late.

Bolton Wanderers sit 24th in the Championship, with only four goals in their six matches so far and no wins. If the management think Baptista can help turn that around, whether that’s up front or in an attacking-midfield role to make use of his passing, they’ll likely take the chance on him.

Baptista struggled in the Premier League with the Gunners, but came close to becoming a cup hero, scoring four goals against Liverpool at Anfield in the EFL Cup quarter-finals and following that up with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur in the semis.

Unfortunately he was unable to make the difference in the final against Chelsea, who won 2-1 on the day.