Gael Clichy

Juve & Roma To Spar For Clichy?

Arsenal defender Gael Clichy could add to Arsene Wenger’s transfer woes, as Italy’s finest prepare for yet another raid on the Emirates…

Clichy has established himself as one of the Gunners’ most valuable assets over the past two seasons, earning recognition as one of the Premier League’s top full-backs.

The 22-year-old was named in the most recent PFA Team of the Year ahead of compatriot and Manchester United star Patrice Evra, and yet was incredibly overlooked by Raymond Domenech for France’s EURO 2008 squad.

Les Bleus could have used both his defensive and attacking prowess during the tournament, as they crashed out at the first hurdle after losing to the Azzurri in their Group C decider.

And it would seem the Italians are more appreciative of Clichy’s talents, as two of the biggest clubs in Serie A have revealed their admiration for the former Cannes man.

Roma boss Luciano Spalletti may have recently wrapped up the signing of John Arne Riise from Liverpool, but his obvious interest in Clichy suggests renovations to the left flank are not yet complete.

“Clichy is an excellent defender of international class,” Spalletti said in The Sun. “He is also still very young, so has plenty of football improvement left in him.

“Certainly, it would please me a great deal to see Gael Clichy in a Roma shirt. We will have to wait and see what develops.”

Competition

But the Giallorossi will face stern competition from Juventus, who are keen to increase their defensive options as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri was no less secretive than Spalletti in his desire to snare Clichy, sparking speculation of a bidding war between the capital club and the Turin outfit.

“Having worked in England with Chelsea, I know the Premier League players very well and have to admit that Gael Clichy is one of the most impressive players right now,” Ranieri said.

“He is an important player, above all, because of his versatility. I believe he can play anywhere down the left and across the defence, too. He could come to Juventus.”

Clichy’s departure would put Wenger under extreme pressure from press and public alike, having already lost Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan while Emmanuel Adebayor appears increasingly keen to follow.

Mike Maguire