What does the signing of Silvestre mean for Arsenal?
It will seem strange when Mikael Silvestre pulls on the Arsenal number 18 jersey for the first time.
We've got so used to seeing him in Manchester United colours that to see him turn out for us is going to take some getting used to.
His contract is also for two years, suggesting that the Arsenal policy may have changed and therefore giving us scope to retain older players who still have something to offer. Robert Pires, anyone?
As many Addicts have pointed out, signing a player of his age and experience is going to provide us with some quality defensive cover - and help the younger players hone their skills.
Most of us would rather see Silvestre filling in than Big Phil Senderos - but some reports today suggest that his arrival means Johann Djourou will be loaned out - possibly to Rennes. I think that would be a backward step and Djourou should be used in rotation as well so he continues to be a firm fixture in the squad.
Another report today suggests that Silvestre's arrival means that Kolo Toure will move into central midfield...
I love the fact that, since he joined the club six years ago, Toure has played in almost every position except goal for us - but he is now a central defender and I think he should stay that way.
But Silvestre's comments on Arsenal TV suggest that Arsene Wenger has promised him a first team place: "I left United because I didn't want to spend any more time on the bench. I was looking for a new challenge so hopefully I can get more games than I was getting at United.
"I prefer to play at centre-half and the manager knows my view. I could have waited for my testimonial but that's not my mentality."
Of course, Wenger did the same with Lassana Diarra and we know what happened there, but Le Boss also promised a central midfielder before the end of the transfer window and, despite assuring us that the signing would happen before the FC Twente return leg, I suspect he might wait until the end of the window in order to strike the best possible bargain.
While Gokham Inler remains favourite, Stephane M'Bia claims that Arsenal made a move for him, even though he already has his heart set on Everton. His loss, though the African Nations' Cup makes me reluctant to sign more Africans that could become integral parts of the team and are then missing for a month every couple of years.
Silvestre certainly gives us quality options at the back - and our defence has needed shoring up - but if he is the only signing we make before the end of the transfer window, it won't be enough to cope with the departures of Mathieu Flamini and Gilberto.
DA
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Reader Comments (39)
Surprised at the transfer but a warning. When you play Man U he will pass the ball to United players. Seen it with Butt (who's still doing it) and Smith who took a couple of games to remember who he was playing for.
Inshort dont play him against Man U.
Lets go u Gunners!....C'mon Arsene make us happy some more...with bringin in a midlfielder..like Alonso...or Inler...jus bring in a midfielder who's absolute klass.
Gunner 4 Life..;)
It is interesting to see Silvestre joined Arsenal. One of the biggest rivals in the EPL. But the question I ask my self is, are arenal and Man U still big rivals as they used to be. As we saw from Ronaldo saga Arse said that he was happy that ronaldo stayed at man united and he was against it from the beginning. Silvestre joined arsenal answers my question they are not big rivals any more. But why, is it because Man United do not think arsenal are big challengers to the title and think given them Silvestre won’t help then or do they want that the title goes either Man united or arsenal by giving Silvestre. Don’t know I am arsenal fan and I think he will help the young players by giving them advise and the experience they lacked last year and my be wenger will move Toure to DM and play Silvestre with Gallas it will be interesting to see. What you people think. Gooners 4life.
this is a wrong decision he will just be another one to add to the injury list and he is now too slow.
August 21, 2008 | Newcastle Bill - LOL So very true mate.
Said, since Viera and Keane and Neville stopped playing and Chelski came on the scene Arsenal and Man Utd are no longer bitter rivasls as thier is someone new and immeadiately more dislikable in the picture now.
Man, i like your article, feel almost the same on all your arsenal opinions. I like this site too. I've always been on newsnow but only seem to have noticed it recently. How many writers is there?
obviously, fergie doesn't rate silvestre as he allowed this to happen. Remember Heinze and Liverpool? Hope gooners and silvestre will make whiskey-nose regret this by season end!!!!
I think it is a good move by wenger
I have a feeling that he won't be cover but he may do one of two things, either play Silvestre at DM or as other s have said move Toure to DM and play Djourou at CB. After his first game i wouldn't mind Johan playing there as i think he was fantastic and also gave us a bit of an option aerialy. I am very interested to see how things play out now. Looking forward to Fulham and seeing if he includes Mikael.
This transfer is comparable the italian market, players move between the top clubs without too much fuss, as they are reliable and of the right quality. Zambrotta, Juve, then to Milan via Barca. Its a trend that doesnt really exist in England even though the rivalry is no stronger in this contry between the top clubs. Has Arsene set a precedent?
i think it means Wenger is a complete clown the guy is really starting to piss me off why the fuck has he signed
silvestre I'm my opinion its like signing another Gallas
the guy sees a budget and runs to it like a fool because he's to tight to put his hands in his pocket.
trust me gooners where going backwards instead of forward
do u guys really see a improvement from last season going to happen
So many people complain at the Gallas / Toure partnership, now they can both play in the team together, Silvestre may complement Gallas more than Senderos too.
It's tough to know about this one i think. Definitely not the signing we were all hoping for and most definitely wont be seeing silvestre on too many shirts at the grove this year. With all that said it could turn out to be yet another one of Wengers master stroke. What i do know is that we should all support Silvestre and recognise he's a proven winner with alot of experience.
what does it mean? it means the end for senderos.lol
i dont believe it...jus a few years back, this was impossible... i dunno how i'll cheer an ex manu player, why did he then let vieira go? if silvestre is 31 and he signed him and i doubt hes as effective anymore, but thats another story, but ever since we lost the 50th game at manure, we lost track, we lost vieira, edu then pires, bergkamp, then henry, gilberto and no one really have filled in for those players, except of course our fab! van persie? arguable he hardly ever makes one season, greedybayor? i'd rather cheer for van nistelrooy (kidding). greedybayor is a back stabber... rosicky? same as van persie ...even worse, clichy? yea after the birmingham game hes looked sharp atleast...dont wanna think abt the b'ham game, thats where we lost the season, definitely we are moving towards a liverpool, but atleast they get lucky in the champions league, we got nothing, not even pride in the team due to the lack of loyalty (you know what im talkin about)... arsene on is only trying to get maximum efficiency out of his funds to keep board happy, we have to remember they are still only a business first and then a football club, should be the other way around, damn it!! will arsenal move ahead? we are a 3rd team...not title challengers, but if all goes well, we can still win
I'm so confused now I just don't know what to think!
I agree it would be going backwards if we loan Djourou out. Mikael seems to think he's in for a regular 1st team spot, which I think means Toure will become a centre mid.
Hmmm, it's going to be a very 'interesting' season. Lets face it, this could go either way. One things for sure, i'll be upset if the other signing doesn't come in.
i love Arsenal but it has to be said the way Wenger has handled the club in the last three years i think its terrible maybe wenger cant take the club any further
for the first time ever im starting to loose faith in wenger
Wenger has promised first team football to players before without meaning it. Take Diarra as an example....
james, your comments are very negative. i think you've been reading too many newspapers and so called experts opinions. Losing hleb and getting nasri is a step forward. Ramsey is a step forward. losing lehmann and gilberto is natural progression, they were past it. Admittedly flamini is a big loss but we all hope that will be adressed before september 1st. Add to that carlos vela, an improving walcott and some other great kids coming through and things look pretty good to me. Silvestre stregthens our defence no matter how you look at it. The guy has proved himself a winner, he can be a leader in the dressing room. And what about eduardo coming back, that will be like a new signing. I'm excited for us. If Xabi Alonso signs for us then they may as well give us the league title now
Delighted to see him sign for Arsenal. He's been a good servant and gets a few more good pay days. He's passed his best, not that he was ever that good, and I'll be very happy if he plays against us because we will be guaranteed a few goals.
I actually believe that the rivalry isn't as intense as it once was but not because of our ability to challenge for honours...afterall, Fergie said himself that he believes us to be the biggest threat!
I believe its because of the emergence of a big 4 from a big 2 over the last few years, both Arsenal and Utd try to do things the right way...Wenger is the man when it comes to developing young players but lets not forget that the "You'll never win anything with kids" was in fact aimed at Utd back in the day.
I believe that a level of respect has been developed between the two as a result of their style of play, moving the ball, manipulating space and having faith in younger players. I've always viwed the pool and Chavski as long ball merchants that try to dominate through defensive tactics and imposing themselves physically. Utd and our boys try and play the ball, quick movement, one touch passing and score some incredible goals...not just Gerrard or Lampard/Essien esq pot shots from distance.
Tony, you are in dream land. Wenger will not spend the money for anyone decent and now scrapes the bottom of the barrel for bargains. This IS the experienced one short player he was talking about and the book is now closed. All he needs to do is scrape a 4th place in the epl and he keeps his job. He has lost all his hunger and motivation, regularly lies to the media and more importantly his fans, and has taken the club as far as he is capable and now needs to go. Sack the lying bastard as soon as possible. We will never win anything again with him as a manager!!
TONY how is getting Ramsey a step forward when he will need two seasons to fit in. remember we have to deliver this season to long without know silverware. u type of fans really piss me off I'm tied of being patient on wenger the guy says the same thing every year plus he cant keep a promise and tony wouldn't football experts know a bit more than u the problem with some of u Arsenal fans i think a lot of u have got Ur head stuck up wengers ass and u cant see know wrong in what hes doing.Maybe when Totenham take 4th spot this season and Frabagaz leaves use mite agree with me then. put it this way we need 3 top class players we don't get them players we can forget any silverware this season
if this was any other manager he would have been sacked long time ago
waste of money i can play f**ckin beta dan him
Newcastle Bill, you forgot to mention Phil Neville, who literally and purposely scored an own goal while playing for Everton against Man U at the end of the season before last....
armand on out loan to pompey - official! i think
arsenal is big club but some players are there don't fit for this cub but for the champion ship clubs (silvester, sendros) wenger thinks only by French is that silvester coming to play or to support?
arsenal is big club but some players are there don't fit for this cub but for the champion ship clubs (silvester, sendros) wenger thinks only by French is that silvester coming to play or to support?
arsenal is big club but some players are there don't fit for this cub but for the champion ship clubs (silvester, sendros) wenger thinks only by French is that silvester coming to play or to support?
ZEE tatally agree some of our youngters our saw over rated
i dont care what anybody says i think Nicklas Bendtner is saw shit
james, the so-called experts that you say know more than me about arsenal predicted we'd finish outside top 4 last season. And fucking tottenham finish ahead of us this year?? Absolutely no chance. And you saying our young players are over-rated. Fuck me, you just want to complain about everything. Support the kids and stop bitching. You're the type of fan who likes to whinge and whine and then you'll be singing wengers praises when we win something. You were probably doing the same thing last August. You're probably one of the fans booing adebayor too. You know what, arsenal fans like you piss me off, we could make the emirates a fortress if we got behind the team and had less whiny bitches like you for fans
TONY i can tell u dont know much about football mate. i was
trying to put my point across buy saying it seems to me wenger hasn't learnt from last season and i wouldn't be a liar
if i said wenger is the most stubborn manager in Europe. Now Tony i hate jose mourinho but a thew months ago he made a very valid point JOSA said Arsenal are one of the best passing sides in Europe but what have they one in recent.
i can tell Ur one of them jarring arsenal fans that say allthough we never got no silverware we still played the best football. no tony to me football is about success as well. and like i said a hundred of times to a hundred of over gooners wenger is to blame for the lack of silverware in recent years buy not adding to the squad not replacing players that left playing a lot of players out of position
not buying players with enough experience. Know one is saying dot not buy young players there is a lot of world class young talents but our manager is just a little bit obsessed with the idea. What makes me laugh the most when i arks Arsenal fans how do u think we will do this season you all say maybe finish 2nd or 3rd but some of uses will say it as if its OK because its not as a Arsenal fan
i want the premiership crown come the end of may or i would love us to win the champions league. In case u forgot the the pressure is on Arsenal this season we have to deliver one major trophy and in my eyes the pressure is on Mr winger too.
wenger this is an insult to us arsenal fans and truely speaking lm rily pissed off.hw can u sign silvesta of all pple n since wen did u start signing old donkies.u should make a plan immidiately SELL him before for your own GOOD.
he bought silverstre on the cheap and thats the only rerason why he got him.. We do lack experience in the back though and i was never fond of Senderos anyway..
lets now sell senderos and use that money to buy a decent midfielder to assist nasri and fabregas..
To be quite honest i think that Arsene is right when it comes to older experienced players between the ages of 27- 28. Clubs won't let players like G Barry and x Alonso go for less than 18 million. Sure they are good players but their not exactly setting the world on fire with current form. Once you buy these guys they are no guarantee they will deliver the goods and then selling them 2 - 3 years down the track their worth nothing.
better to buy up and coming stars around the ages 23 -25 mark for half the price and have more to prove for themselves.