Arsenal set to announce exits of defenders

Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas’ contracts at Arsenal will expire on June 31.

Silvestre’s two-year stay in north London has seen him take the role of a calm leader in the dressing room despite being a much-maligned player on the pitch.

Gallas on the other hand has had an erratic time at Arsenal since joining from Chelsea in 2006. The 32-year-old did have his inspiring days as a Gunner, but will be remembered as a controversial figure after being replaced by Fabregas as captain in 2008.

Arsene Wenger set late May as the deadline for a decision over Gallas’ future at Arsenal but with the club still silent on that topic, the Juventus-bound man is unlikely to return to London after World Cup duty with France.

While Silvestre – who is eying a move to Al Jazira in UAE – will only lose his place as a bit part player in the Arsenal squad, the departure of Gallas will be much significant.

The former Chelsea man was an ever-present alongside Thomas Vermaelen last season until the latter months of the campaign, starting 26 league games in total. Johan Djourou has been tipped as a replacement for Gallas, but the Swiss international’s injury record means Wenger is searching for more cover in defense – with Lorient’s Koscielny a very likely target.

Gallas made 140 appearances in Arsenal colours, scoring an outstanding 16 goals while Silvestre netted three times in 43 games as a Gunner.