Arsenal Fans Blog

Finally Arsenal signed French defender Mikael Silvestre on a two year deal, having joined the Gunners from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Mikael Silvestre (31), is an experienced and versatile player, played well at both left back and centre back. He has been with Manchester United since 1999 and winning a host of domestic honours including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup winner’s medal and a League Cup winner’s medal. Mikael Silvestre was also part of the UEFA Champions League winning side of 2008 and made a total of 361 appearances for the Manchester side, scoring 10 goals.

Silvestre, who debuted for French national side in 2001, has also made a total of 40 appearances for Les Bleus. Highlights of his international career so far are winning the Confederations Cup in both 2001 and 2003 and reaching the World Cup Final in 2006.

Mikael said on signing for the Gunners:

“I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge. Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes.”

As I said yesterday, Wenger choose to buy him for added an extra depth to his young squad.

I actually think this is the sort of signing we need. He's not going to play in front of Gallas or Toure, but he is a steady defender with bags of experience- what we lack on the back benches. More than 250 appearances for ManU td makes him without a doubt an experienced player. Yes, I would prefer Micah Richards or Vincent Kompany, but it is still a big improvement from our Senderos and Djourou who will be loaned out to Rennes.

And Another 2 very positive points is :

1) he wont have a long career at Arsenal and looks unlikely to impede the progress of youngsters like Nordtveit and Djourou.

2) he is leaving ManUtd on a free, so it’s actually a gamble that costs us almost nothing (besides his wages).

We should see this possible signing as a gamble where we may lots to gain but little to lose and if he turns out shyte, we’ll just flog him to Spain for approx. £2m like we did with Cygan.

Remember our best back four (Cole,Adams,Keown,Lauren)? Hopes that Mikael Silvestre will added the current back four a strength and experience like them before.

Mikael will join up with his team-mates immediately and will wear shirt number 18.