Late Manchester City bid to win race for Arsenal star
Published:Liverpool looked in pole position in the race to sign Gael Clichy from Arsenal, but their hopes of landing the Frenchman appear to have been dashed by a late swoop by Manchester City.
Clichy only has a year remaining on his contract at the Emirates, although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was of the opinion that he could encourage Clichy to sign a new deal.
This did not put off Italian giants Roma and Liverpool showing an interest in the left-back and the general consensus was that he would be on his way to Anfield to fill a position that had caused troubles last season.
However, Manchester City have decided that Clichy could play an important role in their side and have the added advantage of being able to offer Champions League football.
Manager Roberto Mancini seems to have been unconvinced by the performances in defence of Aleksandar Kolarov last season and now appears to be more likely to pick him in a more advanced position.
Meanwhile, Wayne Bridge is deemed surplus to requirements at Eastlands, while left-back is not the natural position of Pablo Zabaleta.
Liverpool have already had a £5m offer rebuffed for Clichy and it is believed that Manchester City are prepared to part with £7m, although negotiations over transfer fee and personal terms remain ongoing.
The signing of Clichy is expected to be the first of a handful at Manchester City this summer as they continue to build a squad capable of winning a first Premier League title.
It is 7/2 in the Premier League odds that Manchester City win the title this season, while it is 1/4 that they at worst retain their position in the top four of the table.
