Wenger cool over Hleb's departure

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13 April 2012

Arsene Wenger insisted today he was "comfortable" with the decision to sell Alexander Hleb to Barcelona. The midfielder joined Mathieu Flamini in leaving Emirates Stadium since the end of last season and although Wenger was initially keen to keep Hleb, he is satisfied with the terms of a deal worth an initial £11.8million, rising to a possible £13.5m.

Barca unveiled the 27-year-old last night as Wenger vowed he had no regrets over the transfer.

"We must firstly thank Alex for his contribution at Arsenal," said the Gunners manager. "He played a significant role in the three seasons he was with the club.

"We are comfortable with our decision to let him go and we are all looking forward to the new season. Everyone at here wishes Alex the best of luck for the future."

Hleb, meanwhile, has set his sights on helping Barcelona get the title back from Real Madrid, who have topped La Liga for the last two seasons.

"I want to give my best for this club," said the Belarus international. "I have realised a dream. My aim is to win many trophies with Barcelona."

Hleb also hopes his versatility will be an asset to new Barca coach Pep Guardiola, insisting he is willing to fill any role without the team.

"I am ready to play in any position, including goalkeeper," he said during his presentation.

Guardiola is delighted the club's long pursuit of Hleb has paid off. The coach said: "Hleb was a priority for us. He is extremely versatile with great footballing skills."

Gilberto Silva is another Gunners star on his way out and he is likely to be unveiled as a Panathinaikos player later today.

The Brazilian flew into Greece yesterday and is close to finalising a deal that would make him one of the country's highest-paid players.

The 31-year-old is set to undergo a medical before signing a three-year deal. Panathinaikos president Nikos Pateras met with Gilberto's representatives last week and thrashed out a deal after Arsenal accepted an offer of around £1million to bring to an end a six-year stay with the Gunners.

Gilberto was overwhelmed by the reception he received at Athens airport and was whisked away by club officials without talking to the local media. Barring any last-minute changes, the World Cup winner will sign a deal that will see him earn £6m over the course of his contract.

Despite being made vice-captain of Arsenal in 2006, Gilberto found himself on the fringes of the first team last season.

Meanwhile, River Plate striker Radamel Falcao Garcia has moved to end speculation about a possible move to Arsenal by insisting his future lies in Argentina. Last week, reports suggested the 22-year-old would welcome a move to Emirates Stadium but he has rejected these rumours, insisting he hopes to stay and win the Copa Sudamericana.

He said: "I have new goals. I want to be the tournament's top scorer and win a continental cup. I always said I wanted to play in the top flight, I want to stay at River, my home. I feel very comfortable here."

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