Exclusive – Graham: ‘I can’t believe Arsenal let Gallas go so easily’

George Graham has told talkSPORT he is shocked Arsenal let William Gallas go so easily and believes the Frenchman will be a first-team regular at Tottenham.

The 33-year-old is set to cross the north London divide and sign a one-year contract at White Hart Lane, after failing to agree a new deal with the Gunners over the summer.

And Graham, who has bossed both clubs, believes Arsene Wenger should have fought harder to keep Gallas, as he is adamant the central defender is of the highest quality and will become a mainstay of Harry Redknapp's side.

He told Hawksbee and Jacobs: “I am surprised Arsenal let him go so easily. I think he is a very, very good signing for Tottenham.

“He loves defending, he is very aggressive and I think he is just what Tottenham need, because they have got problems at the back with the injury situation to both Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.

"They are getting someone for nothing who arguably could be playing every week in the team.”

Graham has also dismissed suggestions Gallas is way past his best, and believes the Spurs faithful should be delighted by his imminent arrival at White Hart Lane.

He added: “Arsenal in the past won trophies with a back four of 34, 35, 36 – the likes of Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams. They were winning trophies in their mid-30s, so I can only see this as a very good signing for Tottenham.

“Harry has got a gift of getting players who other clubs think are finished and getting another two seasons out of them.

 “If he has a good season and Tottenham again finish in the top four or have a great Cup run or a Champions League run he’ll be welcome. I just can’t figure out the modern fans not accepting such a good signing.”