Bring back Sylvinho?
72 comments July 21st, 2006
That’s what he’s called these days. Presumly it only said “Silvinho” on the dodgy passport he allegedly used to secure his transfer to Arsenal.
But for said alleged dodginess, he might well stil be an Arsenal player. As it was, we decided to cut our losses and play a young English teenager who’d come up through the youth ranks: Ashley Cole. However, with Sylvinho being granted a Spanish passport in 2004, and with Cole now apparently on the verge of joining Chelsea for £16m, is it time to turn back to the Brazilian tyro?
Although now 32 years of age, his experience could be invaluable as we look to blood the brittle but brilliant Gael Clichy. When you think about which left-backs are available in world football, there aren’t many better than Sylvio Mendes Campos Junior, and after Barcelona completed the signing of Gianluca Zambrotta, the Brazilian finds himself as third-choice behind another ex-Gooner, Gio van Bronckhurst. It’s got to be worth thinking about: remember his goal against Chelsea?
Another Arsenal full-back on the move, this time just on loan, is Kerrea Gilbert. After impressing during his brief spell in the first-team, the chance to play regular football at Championship side Cardiff will be of huge benefit to him – Ashley Cole’s loan spell at Crystal Palace really helped him ready himself for the demands of the Premiership, and hopefully this move will do the same for the nigh-unpronounceable Kerrea.
Oh, and Patrick Vieira’s coming back to Arsenal. For a bit. Well, just for a day, really. For Dennis’ Testimonial. He’s actually joining Inter. As for the Dennis game, I can’t wait: come back here for a full report post-game.
