Silvestre joins Arsenal for an undisclosed fee

August 21, 2008

After a lot of speculation, Arsenal has successfully completed the transfer of Mikael Silvestre from Manchester United for a fee, which is still undisclosed.

31-year-old defender, who was out of action for most part of the previous season after damaging his knee ligament, has been reported to agree with a 2-year deal at Emirates Stadium after serving 9 years in Old Trafford.

There were rumors in the previous season of the Frenchmen of shifting to Manchester City or Bordeaux, as his contract was about to expire. However, he eventually went for the North London side, which was his choice from the very beginning.

With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic forming a first choice partnership for the Red Devils, Silvestre was having tough time holding a position in the playing eleven. Again with John O’Shea & Wes Brown renewing their contract and Patrick Evra playing wonderfully in the left-back, only a miracle could have earned him a spot in the first team.

With this transfer, Silvestre became only the second player to leave the Old Trafford club and join their rivals in Premier League after Brian Kidd 3 decades ago.

Lately, Wenger has been reluctant to offer contract to players over 30 years and this move for the France International, who has played 40 games for his side, has taken everyone by surprise.

After an uncharacteristic move from Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger said that there was a need for Silvestre in the Gunners Ranks with his side lacking the needed experience in the defense.

Meanwhile, Gunners would be looking for continuing their clean sheet in the coming weeks following their 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium.

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