Wenger fears Silvestre exit

Gunners boss could lose versatile defender

Last updated: 16th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger fears Silvestre exit

Silvestre: Could leave for free

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Arsene Wenger fears Mikael Silvestre's lack of first-team football could see him quit Arsenal next summer.

The former Manchester United defender is out of contract at the end of the season and could be snapped up for free.

Wenger is keen to secure the 32-year-old Frenchman's stay at Emirates Stadium, but concedes he may be powerless in his efforts to entice him.

The Gunners boss concedes that Silvestre is second choice to summer signing Thomas Vermaelen and that he might not want to stay and continue as a squad player.

Vermaelen's sublime Premier League form has restricted Silvestre to just two substitute appearances in league action, although he did make three Carling Cup starts.

Influence

"I have a meeting with Silvestre in March," explained Wenger. "We have a common agreement to meet then and see where we go from there.

"It's linked with the number of games he gets before then. He is a remarkable influence in the squad, but he must be happy.

"Thomas Vermaelen is in front of him. Will he be happy if he does not get the games? I am not sure."

William Gallas is also out of contact in the summer and Wenger believes it is vital the defender stays to add his experience to Arsenal's young squad.

"The talks with Gallas have to be a bit earlier because he plays regularly," Wenger continued. "We need some experience in the dressing room."

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