Mikael Silvestre-Marouane Chamakh Swap Necessary for Arsenal to Acquire Striker

(Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

Arsenal will successfully add talented Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh to its youthful squad if Mikael Silvestre is part of the deal that Arsenal is offering to Chamakh's club, French side Bordeaux.

Bordeaux are eager to sell the Moroccan striker this season because they risk losing Chamakh next season for nothing due to his expiring contract. The French side will accept the Arsenal offer, which is currently at £6.9 million, if the Gunners throw in their veteran defender Silvestre.

The French defender, who came to Arsenal at the start of 2008-2009 from rival Manchester United, was rather disappointing in his debut Arsenal season, but Arsene Wenger is keen to keep the French center half due to his experience.

It is believed Wenger does not want to sell Silvestre because the former United man is capable of guiding and teaching his younger teammates.

But with striker Emmanuel Adebayor departing the Emirates to go play in the Eastlands, Arsenal is in need of a tall, threatening, hard-working striker.

Chamakh ticks all the boxes and is the ideal replacement for Adebayor. If it means Arsenal is forced to sell Silvestre to get the 25-year-old, then so be it.

It is a win-win situation for Arsenal. Due to the arrival of defender Thomas Vermaelen, Silvestre has falling even further down the Arsenal pecking order. Arsenal holds the likes of Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Johan Djourou, Vermaelen, and Philippe Senderos in their defensive ranks, and Silvestre is probably the fifth choice.

Arsene Wenger could excel with a lad like Marouane Chamakh; he is hard-working, provides a great aerial threat, and is blessed with great link-up play, pace, and a footballing brain.

I agree Silvestre brings tremendous leadership and experience to Arsenal, but he is past his prime, and Chamakh is more than likely to shine at Arsenal.

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