Gunners swoop for Silvestre

French defender joins on two-year deal from United

Last updated: 21st August 2008

Gunners swoop for Silvestre

Silvestre: Arsenal move

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Arsenal have snapped up Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The French defender was sidelined for much of last season due to injury before returning to action in March.

He has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer and the likes of Roma and Bordeaux have both expressed an interest.

A number of Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Sunderland have also been connected with Silvestre but United have now allowed him to join fierce rivals Arsenal.

Silvestre signed for United from Internazionale in 1999 and made almost 250 appearances for the club.

He will now look to rediscover his best form at Emirates Stadium and challenge Gael Clichy for a place at left-back after signing a two-year deal with the Gunners.

Comments (12)

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Jack Morgan (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

So this is the signing that Wenger has been making all the gooner fans wait for! A 30 odd year old, injury-prone, mistake-prone defender - what a waste of space, you'd rather have some up & coming youngster being given a chance over him! Can't say I'm disappointed tho!

Posted 09:32 21st August 2008

Steven Maclean (Arsenal fan) says...

I am slightly surprised this is our last "big" signing of the window. Would have preferred Alonso.

Posted 09:32 21st August 2008

Umit Mistiki (Arsenal fan) says...

Unexpected signing. But good choice cover for either clichy or centre half. I'd rather have him in defence rather than Senderos. Silvestre is experienced and solid. Good cheap buy and will definately bring experience for the youngsters. Well done Arsene.... Now get the cheque book out again for ALONSO!!!!!!!!!!. Him and Cesc in the middle would be outstanding!!

Posted 09:23 21st August 2008

Steve Guppy (Arsenal fan) says...

i bet wenger told him "if you come to arsenal then we play some sexy football" bet you that sold it to him. Average signing. Man u's loss is arsenal gain. Wenger knows what he's doing just need a def mid as well now but i have full faith in denilson and diaby to do that job.

Posted 09:23 21st August 2008

Johnboy Walton (Manchester United fan) says...

Hallelujah!!! Silvestre is RUBBISH! the reason fergie let him go to arsenal is because he will weaken their team! Silvestre & Senderos in a defence will be laughable. Now all we need to do is convince chelsea to buy John O shea and the championship will be a breeze!

Posted 09:20 21st August 2008

Alex Wiggins (Newcastle United fan) says...

I cant see Silvestre making much of an impact at Arsenal with Clichy already established at left-back, he'll add experience and options at the back. Slighty supprised that Utd sold him to Arsenal though...

Posted 22:49 20th August 2008

David Sutcliffe (Manchester United fan) says...

Interesting to see what happens when the two meet. Maybe next time Adebayor wants to move Aresenal will return the favour.

Posted 22:45 20th August 2008

Daniel Meredith (Arsenal fan) says...

good buy, good cover for clichy though i cant see him making a huge diffrence at the back but atleast we have cover.Wenger knows best. Arsenal for the title!

Posted 22:37 20th August 2008

Tom Stewart (Arsenal fan) says...

Arsene sort it out. Arsenal is an English team and you've gone and bought Mikel purely because he's French. Hows about a few English Players?? Absolutely pointless signing.

Posted 22:33 20th August 2008

Jay Bwika says...

Makes sense. Good, versatile in the back, a winner. He'll be a good substitute in case of injury, valuable experience and should not make noises when too long on the bench. Obviously a sign that Fergie no longer cinsiders Arsenal a threat. Perfect setting for a sting in the tail...

Posted 20:55 20th August 2008

John Line (Arsenal fan) says...

what a poor signing. Why would man u let one of their players go to one of their biggest rivals? Perhaps because he is not good enough for top premiership teams. Sort it out Wenger.

Posted 20:55 20th August 2008

Matt Norris (Derby County fan) says...

Whats the difference? Previously Manchester United wouldn't let Liverpool buy Heinze even though he wanted to leave as Liverpool were a 'rival team'. Now they let Silvestre go to Arsenal... are they not a rival team? I dont understand...

Posted 20:53 20th August 2008
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