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Silvestre complets move to Gooners

Gooner
By Chris, August 21 2008
Mikael Silvestre has completed a shock move to rivals Arsenal for £750,000. He becomes the first player to move from Old Trafford to the Gooners since Brian Kidd in 1974. The 31-year-old has been with United since 1999 and the move means the player with forego a testimonial year with the club.

Silvestre has been linked with a host of clubs in recent weeks - with reports suggesting PSG and Bordeaux could not match the defender's hefty wage demands.

Manchester City and Sunderland showed concrete interest this week - but both have been gazumped following an eleventh-hour bid from Arsene Wenger.

News of Arsenal's intent to sign the Frenchman broke on Wednesday evenings. Fans were left surprised - but Arsenal have been quick to tie up the deal with the offer of Champions League football and a league title challenge enough to persuade Silvestre to join one of United's most prominent rivals.

Silvestre has struggled for first-team recognition over the past twelve months. He's behind Patrice Evra in the left-back pecking order, whilst Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have established a formidable partnership at the heart of United's defence.

He's made 361 appearances for the club and found the net on ten occasions.

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