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Wenger in shock move for Silvestre
Ben Hunt, Evening Standard20 Aug 2008
Arsenal are expected to sign Mikael Silvestre today after Arsene Wenger made a surprise bid for the Manchester United defender.
Silvestre, 31, was ready to join Manchester City after being told he did not feature in United's first-team plans.
But Arsenal bossWenger has offered the France international the chance to resurrect his career at the club - and the prospect of Champions League football.
He sees Silvestre as the man to partner his compatriot William Gallas at the heart of the Arsenal defence, which is lacking in experience.
Silvestre was understood to have agreed to join City but pulled out once he knew of Arsenal's interest.
He could be in the team to face Fulham on Saturday if the £750,000 move goes ahead.
Reader views (9)
A brilliant buy. Silvestre is a class act - plenty of top-flight experience and a proven defender with bags of technique and lots of mobility. He should fit in very well with the Arsenal style of play.
I predict he will prove a revelation.
- Jack, Melbourne Australia, 21/08/2008 10:15
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If you're buying a player who's worse than Senderos, you have a problem!
- Paul, London, 21/08/2008 10:03
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As a back-up, why not, but Djourou and Senderos are definitely younger and better than Sylvestre who never imposed himself as a real first choice at M.U. Wenger probably had that in mind when he bought him at a bargain price.
- Wernli Paul, Richmond, B.C. Canada, 21/08/2008 01:15
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I don't understand how we can say we want to win things and not willing to invest money to buy quality players. They keep telling us money is not an issue but I guess everyone can see from the player we go for what a joke.
- Mavwe, Toronto, Canada, 20/08/2008 23:53
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Wenger has made a wrong choice, how can he buy someone who is 31, when he sold the likes of Gilberto because they were old. Silvestre deserves no place in the Arsenal squad
- Tolben Kambwili, Blantyre, Malawi, 20/08/2008 15:28
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If this is the "Big" signing that we were promised then we are going to struggle. Surely there must be someone else arriving before the transfer window closes?
- Gareth Owen, London, 20/08/2008 13:44
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Hey...what a massive signing a reserve utd player, imagine what the gooners are thinking now after sniping at the spurs buys...bet they are happy with this top quality money no object signing..he has hardly been fit the last couple of years, who`s laughing now..look forward too seeing Rob the Gooners views on this one!
- Phil Evans, croxley green, 20/08/2008 13:14
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Hopefully, this excellent signing will go through. He will provide experienced cover for Clichy at left-back & can also cover the central defence position. If Arsenal can sign Alonso from Liverpool, then they will be strong contenders for the Premiership, with an excellent blend of youth & experience.
- Rob Gooner, London, 20/08/2008 12:44
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If the prof feels he can make a contribution, we should not wait a minute in signing him. I rate him as a good player. We need experience at the back and Mikael Silvestre could offer just that.
- Julius Nuga, Abbots Langley UK, 20/08/2008 12:15
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