Mikael Silvestre's shock move from Manchester United to
Arsenal is expected to result in the departure of either Armand
Traore or Johan Djourou from the Emirates but several questions
remain unanswered about one of the most surprising transfers in
recent history.
The 31-year-old Frenchman was on the verge of completing a
switch to Manchester City on Tuesday evening before learning that
Arsenal were interested in securing his services. Barely 24 hours
later, he was being unveiled as the Gunners' latest signing.
Although the lure of living in the capital has been cited as a
persuasive force in Silvestre's decision to move south, it is
difficult to believe that he would have joined the Gunners unless
he was assured that he would enjoy more first-team opportunities
than he had in his final years at Old Trafford.
According to reports, Arsene Wenger regards Silvestre as a
partner for William Gallas in the centre of defence and he may even
start Saturday's match at Fulham. It is understood that Rennes have
already made an enquiry about the possibility of taking Johan
Djourou, the current deputy for the injured Kolo Toure, on
loan.
However it is more likely that Silvestre has been recruited to
act as cover behind Toure and Gallas as well as left-back Gael
Clichy. Portsmouth are in the market for a left-back and
Silvestre's arrival has raised the possibility of Traore joining
cash-strapped Pompey on a season-long loan deal.
Other than wishing Silvestre well and thanking him for his nine
years of service in a short press release, Sir Alex Ferguson has
yet to comment on the defender's exit or his thoughts on selling
one of his players to arch-rival Wenger.
Yet, having put Silvestre up for sale, Ferguson may not have had
much choice in the matter. Silvestre is believed to have been
offloaded to reduce a wage bill that is still expected to be
swollen by Dimi Berbatov's arrival.
