Gael Clichy Joins Manchester City In £7 Million Deal

Gael Clichy today joined Manchester City on a four-year contract. The former Arsenal defender, 25, will compete with Aleksander Kolarov for the starting left back position.

The transfer could signal the growing gap between Manchester City and Arsenal near the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal, who were in second place for much of the latter half of the season, were passed by Manchester City who ended in third place while the Gunners finished in fourth.

Manchester City are rumored to have spent £7million to capture Clichy from Arsenal. The signing of Clichy is a fantastic move by Manchester City. The talented left back took over the reins at Arsenal from Ashley Cole, and has been a formidable player at the back for the Gunners.

“I’m really happy to be joining such a great club,” said Clichy. “I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad who I believe will continue to get better. I can’t wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team.”

The two questions for Arsenal are (1) will this be the beginning of an exodus from Arsenal especially if Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas are the next to leave, and (2) will one of these 10 players be the one to replace Gael Clichy?