Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger fears Mikael Silvestre's lack of
first-team football could see him quit Arsenal next summer.
The former Manchester United defender is out of contract at
the end of the season and could be snapped up for free.
Wenger is keen for the 32-year-old Frenchman to stay at
Emirates Stadium, but concedes he could be powerless in his efforts
to entice him.
The Gunners boss concedes that Silvestre is second choice to
summer signing Thomas Vermaelen and that he might not want to stay
and continue as a squad player.
Vermaelen's sublime Premier League form has restricted
Silvestre to just two substitute appearances in league action,
although he did make three Carling Cup starts.
"I have a meeting with Silvestre in March," explained Wenger.
"We have a common agreement to meet then and see where we go from
there.
"It's linked with the number of games he gets before then. He
is a remarkable influence in the squad, but he must be happy.
"Thomas Vermaelen is in front of him. Will he be happy if he
does not get the games? I am not sure."
William Gallas is also out of contact in the summer and
Wenger believes it is vital the defender stays to add his
experience to Arsenal's young squad.
"The talks with Gallas have to be a bit earlier because he
plays regularly," Wenger continued. "We need some experience in the
dressing room."
