Silvestre Passes Medical And Is An Arsenal Player!
Arsenal have secured the signature of Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £750,000.
The 31-year-old has played over 249 games for the Premier League champions and has surprising swapped Manchester for north London.
Silvestre was reportedly undergoing a medical at bitter neighbours Man City last night when his agent phoned him to say that Arsenal had an interest in him.
According to The Sun, Mikaël immediately abandoned the medical and hurtled down the M1 to meet Gunners boss Wenger and discuss terms.
Speaking on his move to the club, the Frenchman said:
“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.”
What is also surprising, is the fact that Wenger has given Silvestre a 2-year deal, going against his usual 1-year to over 30’s policy.
Not only will the signing of Silvestre bolster Arsene Wenger’s defensive options, but it should also provide experienced cover for fellow countryman Gaël Clichy.
Mikael will wear Pascal Cygan’s old number 18 shirt.
WHAT!?!?!? NO WAY
Am I the only Gooner thinking “what the fuck?!” ???
This isn't on Arsenal.com, and as we know a player has only signed once it is announced on there, so I refuse to beleive this
It's not on Man United's site either but BBC Sport are an extremely reliable source so it seems very genuine to me.
Hmmm very weird signing!
Plus we have Gibbs and Traore, we don't need anyone, we don't really have anyone to cover right mid discounting Eboue as Toure played there last time but I don't see us buying Wes Brown
*right back
NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsena…
So this is the 'midfielder that we will definately sign before Twente'…….oh sweet jesus christ on a stick, I'm always optomistic about Arsenal, but seriously man, what the hell
Goodness Me, I am Really Confused Should all Fans Feel happy Or Disappointed about This Signing ?!! Well I have no Idea What to Say Honestly,. hmm This Means The Boss will Play Gallas along side Silvestre and That Leaves Toure To be our Defencive Midfilder?!!
What the fuck is this !?!? If this is the signing that Wenger was talking about I'M REALLY DISAPOINTED !!
On arsenal.com he say he signed a 2 year contract. Just a heads up so you can update your post. Good signing, one more proper
signing now Wenger and I'll be happy.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/a-fact…
It's an decent signing. We have a versatile defender as back up now if we need him, not only that he's also experienced. My only worry is that Silvestre has had a catalogue of injuries in the past.
Cheers alf.
Also, according to Arsenal.com, its a 2 year deal, not a 4 year deal. I have to say even for £725000 I am absolutely appalled. This is the person I've laughed at my whole life for looking like an alien. Theres a reason Man Utd are flogging him for next to nothing. If theres one thing that can be said, by God Wenger managed to surprise us again
Its a 2 year deal – we need some experience and at least he knows the premiership- Mr Wenger going with tried and trusted Frenchmen. He only sees Blue!!! Myself I get fed up with all this French buying – Must be better players out there.
No your not the only person thinking that chris..
I CANT BELIVE WHAT IM SEEING..
It could be good for the squad if we sign a good cm to go with him as we cant deny he's experience..
yes
check twice it has been annonced on arsenal.com
They just announced the signing on Setanta on the England game commentary. Also its announced on the Arsenal website. I for one am pleased as this gives us experienced back up at both CB and LB which is two positions we were lacking depth. Hes signed a two year contract btw. All i hope is that we still sign a CDM as if that happens then i think we really will be challenging very well against United and Chelski.
alright!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Silvestre is for me the most hated Arsenal player already at the day of his signing.
He'll provide good back-up I'm sure, there's one more player on the way in in the coming days.
Do you know or guess something about a CDM signing? as uve stated ” there's one more player on the way in the coming days” rather than saying there might be.
Why is there so much negativity about this signing? What has been everyones gripe over the past 18 months. We need more experience: we need a big centre half to shore up the defence.
To me this is an ideal short term signing which will add experience, whist allowing the 'boys' to mature
Good signing Arsene. Now for the big one
I wonder what is wrong with Wenger? Is he trying to destroy our team before joining France? Since when we sign United's non-needed players?
I wonder what is wrong with Wenger? Is he trying to destroy our team before joining France? Since when we sign United's non-needed players?
Cygan part II
Don't think this is the imminent CM signing – I reckon it is more opportunist. probably Wenger is as surprised as us that it's come off !
how do u know there's one more player on the way chris. Got any inside news like u had on nasri's injury that u confirmed yestrday???.
I'm absolutely speechless! And i dunno if it's in a 'good way' or a 'bad way'
he may not be the world best player,i can't stop smiling bit like sol but not as good
Gooner chris is this the signing wenger was talking about when he said he was going to sign someone before the fc twente return leg???
If so then F**K HIM
I happy with him but I hope he is not the promised strengthen.
No, I expect the signing of Gokhan Inler to be revealed fairly soon.
ate manu but did show some class on there web site on the way they reported the news ,apart from this bit
Arsenal have swooped to add Silvestre’s international experience to their backline, and the popular Frenchman joins compatriots William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Samir Nasri at the Emirates Stadium.
silvestre to slip in at the back, toure/song to play cente mid and we try to sign arshavan as his move 2 spurs seems 2 have collapsed, what you think?
People will never be satisfied for once in a life time, are these not the same people that has been calling for an experience defender since last year and now Wenger gave you and yet u' ll still moaning about it, we all knew Arsene knows what is good for his squad, he said last week that he his one body shot and that was before Hoyte left for boro which makes him two bodies short, only a fool will not agree that half fit Silvestre is much more better than fully fit Hoyte… Silvestre opportunity only came by chance and AW grabbed it with both hands, why are we still complaining? I know he will still make one more signing before /on August 31.
This is a positive signing. We all know how Wenger works, he went shopping for something special and on his way heard about Silvestre for just 750k and decided it's just too good to pass up. He always looks for bargains!
I'm fairly sure this will have no influence on any other signing that Mr Wenger has his eye on, so just see it as defensive backup – all good if you ask me.
Gooner chris.
Are you pretty confident it's inler or will wenger come out with another shock signing.
If he is the first of 2 signings then he'll be good back up, if he is the sole player we're signing then we're seriously lacking in the midfield area and are going to get punished. Lets hope we will hear soon whether Wenger has just spotted an oppurtunity in Silvestre and seen it as a low risk gamble or this is our experienced player and our last signing.
easy easy guys we got an good player.
i mean he has won cups
I am really confident its Inler mate, It wouldn't surprise me if it's announced tomorrow evening either.
Am the first to bring you this news
“ok guys How about this one.
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre was last night on the verge of an astonishing move to bitter rivals Arsenal'
this was last nite
the best way of describing this signing is “hes a extra body however good”
hes a decent footballer experienced player who will play at the last port
of call so with that in mind i dont understand people knocking an extra
body in the squad??????
Plus AW is certain to buy a midfielder after saying he will
gooner chris do you think when we sign inler that it's wengers final signing or do you think he willl get a few more.
Erm, well, I really dunno what to say? Is it a good signing?
Fook knows? He's experienced I suppose…. oh well.
Brian Barwick next ????
guys this is a good signing. hes a solid, reliable defender with bags of experience who we know can deal with high pressured situations.
the transfer fee is less than £1m so it is hardly a risk either as he has been a premiership player for 9 years.
if arsene adds the midfielder he has been saying he would add, then all of a sudden our squad looks a completely different proposition.
i am very pleased with this signing. In fact I cant believe united have let us have him. he will be excellent defensive cover.
i think this is a great steal..slyvest will give us that bit of depth to our defence,cos lets face it the one thing we have been lackin is some quality back-up,n ponderos has three mistakes at least per game when he's needed were left wanting.if we had someone like sly last season we would of at LEAST beat liverpool in the champs league……WELL DONE WENGER
Why all the doom and gloom it is an experienced, versatile defender. I'll say one thing to you skeptical gooners out there I would rather call upon Silvestre in an injury crisis than Senderos. Let's just hope we sign a CM and we'll be in good shape going in to the season.
You stupid cunts wenger buy silvestre because we sold hoyte and we were body short and he will be cover for gallas toure and left for clichy he has expirience and he will be good cover for defense and next week wenger will sign inler.
Totally agree with you mate.
A lot of Man United fans are upset at the departure and would of liked him to of stayed back-up to Vidic/Evra.
How can ppl say cygan II??
Silvestre is a miles better player than cygan & much more experienced.. He would be much better & more reliable than senderos for us next season BUT we must sign a good cm if we want to be as strong as last season
WENGER OUT
i can't believe this signing tbh…but i'm one who thinks its a good one. from what ive heard this is NOT the 'one more experienced midfielder' that we are meant to be signing but a signing that has come by chance and wenger has jumped to sign him. i am happy as there is no real cover for clichy if he gets injured and silvestre can also play CB which is very good for cover as i just don't trust senderos
Well said my man.
RVP: “Why is there so much negativity about this signing?”
BECAUSE SILVESTRE IS A FUCKING USELESS, NO-GOOD, CATFISH-LOOKING CUNT WHO PLAYED FOR THE ENEMY, WHO'S PAST HIS BEST, INJURY PRONE, HAS AS MUCH SKILL AS A TWIGLET, IS PALMED OFF FOR FUCK-ALL FROM A TEAM WITH MUCH BETTER DEFENDERS, AND IS A COMPLETE AND UTTER RETARD.
THE DAYS OF SOL CAMPBELL AND HENRY ARE LONG GONE.
FUCK THIS.
my first reaction was “what the hell is going on!” however the more i think about it its makes sense.
a bit of experience that we needed and some much needed back up at left back… troure is being played more forward and never looked comfortable at left back, Gibbs is too young and more of a midfielder.
He can also play center back and to be honest i know who i would choose
between him and Senderos….
Could prove to be a very very good signing… (still he is Utd scum and does leave a bitter taste in my mouth)
Shut up you idiot and get off this blog.
Just for interest:
Silvestre: 6ft 0″
Toure: 6ft 0″
Gallas: 6ft 0″
Djourou: 6ft 4″
He's a good back-up.. problem?
I have three problems with this signing: 1. He is ex-Man U. 2. If experience is what you want, why let Gilberto leave? If you can offer this over thirty a two year contract, why not Bergkamp and Pires? 3. I have never liked him, at all. Now I'm forced to accept him.
I don't give two shits about this signing either way really, it's what happens after that matters. It kinda suggests we might be skint, but he could just be saving the cash for his main target((s) – wishful thinking)).
Song: 6ft 0.5″
Senderos: 6ft 3″
dont say wenger out because of one signing that is REDICULOUS…i agree this is a bit of a controversial signing as he played for the scum but still he plays for arsenal now and so we must back him
yeah u are right I agree with you
He's quick. He's versatile. He has experience. He's cheap. And he means Utd have next to no cover for Evra. What's not to like?
I Have to Be honest I was Really Surprised When i Saw on on Arsenal .com , But I have Come to Realise This is actually Pretty Good Signing Really , Thats is excellent additions To The Squad , and Im Pretty Sure That Wenger will Sign DM Real Soon, Well Done The Boss, Btw Has anyone Of YOu Guys Have an Update on The Team Injuries , whos will be Out For The next Game and whos In Please ! Thank You.
We now have a good back up for Clichey that we can trust, would you now worry if Clichy got injured, not as much now. Troare even by his own admission he wanted to play left wing because attacking was is strength.
sivestre is cb like wenger said that we lose points last season only for defense mistakes toure was injured senderos doesn't have experience and he will be good cover as for giblerto he was too old don't worry inler is on his way to emirates.
Robin scored for holland tonight against russia.
played something like 70 minutes which is very good for us
If I was an Arsenal fan I would be slightly worried by a signing like Silvestre. Dont get me wrong hes not that bad, he is experienced versatile so all in all would add more than take from the squad but surely Arsenal should have been looking to add a top quality centre back to challenge Toure and Gallas. I dont mention Senderos because hes just not good enogh. Also it is very out of character for Wenger and to me suggests that Arsenal may be stuck for cash afterall.
Yep, International round-up coming soon. 🙂
Who do you support then? Silvestre is a good cheap experienced back-up for arguably the best left back in the world.
i dunno if people feel what i feel ,but silvestre was more of a man utd senderos,always making errors,anyways he adds the exp we need,also heard appiah is a free player it wld be good if we get him ,like essien,but i feel le prof will go for inler
cool cool. im glad robin has played and scored
Anyone know how often he was used as a centre half, i cant quite remember
On another note Gooner Chris, since your changes to your site, srolling up and down your site has become really slow on my lap top and the post message appears at the top of the comments rather than at the bottom. Dont mean to moan, like the look and that but anyone else having these problems or is it my laptop
his a fuckn knobhead
I don't mate
okay everyone this is the signing we need experience, CB cover, LB cover. now for a defensive midfielder, which i think is definetly inler. and if it is then we are done and ready. so dont be angry about tgis signing, he is what we need.
not cygan's?! why not 23?
I'm OK with this, provided this is not “The Big Transfer” that Arsene talked about. If this is all we are getting, I would be very disappointed.
Xabi Alonso bathed himself in glory tonight for Spain. I would go for him.
I assure you that this is not 'the' signing Wenger had been going on about. With Gibbs gone on loan and Traore switched to the left-flank, it is clear he will cover Clichy at left-back whilst the aforementioned Gibbs develops.
Wenger claimed we were 'one body short', whilst at the same time, maintained no bid had been made for Hoyte. The reports suggest it was a very impulsive move on Wenger's part to sign Silvestre, which connotes to us that he is a replacement for the recently departed Hoyte.
This still leaves us one body short and with additional capital from the Hoyte sale.
At the time he claimed we would be making another signing, he said we had money to spend, and this only adds to it.
In short, we are still 'a body short' with 'money to spend (even moreso than before)'. These are Wenger's own words.
I am a serious Arsenal fan, and I beleive that this is a fantastic signing for The Arsenal.
He provides more depth to the squad and has strength and experience in an area that we've been lacking in. People have been complaining about needing to sign an experienced defender for ages, saying that Senderos and Djourou either aren't good enough yet, or never will be.
This isn't a long term solution – he is 31 – but short term, it is a fantastic, opportunistic signing by Arsene.
Anyone who has the audacity to come out with things like 'Wenger out' can F**K off. We don't need that sort of 'fan' in our club. Wenger obviously knows what he's doing, I'm 100% behind him, and we don't need 'fans' that obviously don't have a clue what's going on.
Sometimes when a good player comes along, it means signing someone from rivals.
Get over it.
well said mark. i for one totally agree with you.
i am excited by this signing. not because of the player himself, but more because of how much more solid he makes the squad look.
add a midfielder to the mix, which hopefully arsene will, and suddenly we look a title threat.
excellent signing.
I'll look into Jillu. Thanks for pointing it out mate.
gooner chris…can u assure us we will sign inler???please tell us a percentage of the signing
chris update the transfer table 😀
95% mate. 🙂
Yep, will do soon, thanks for reminding me mate.
Yes, it's annoying he's ManU, but ust one question cos I haven't seen him play for ages: is he any good?