Gael Clichy tug-of-war

Arsenal were under attack from another of their Premier League rivals last night after Liverpool turned to Gael Clichy in an attempt to solve their problems at left-back.

Liverpool have formally submitted a bid, believed to be in the region of £5 million for the France defender who has told Arsene Wenger he will not extend his contract, which has 12 months left to run.

And with Manchester United making contact with the representatives of his France midfielder Samir Nasri, Wenger is finding himself with a battle on his hands to fend off northern raiders.

Liverpool's offer for Clichy follows the £20m capture of Sunderland's Jordan Henderson, which was formally announced last night, and further illustrates the ambition of owners Fenway Sports Group.

Clichy signed from Cannes in 2003 following a recommendation by Damien Comolli, who was working for Wenger at the time but is now director of football at Anfield.

A host of European clubs are also circling Clichy, 26 next month, and Arsenal would prefer to sell the player abroad.

Nasri, who has one year left on his current deal, said last weekend that he wanted to know if United's interest was "real", although Wenger is adamant he will not sell to Sir Alex Ferguson's club.

Wenger will also be reluctant to let Clichy, who is the only member of the 'Invincibles' side still at the club, move to another of Arsenal's primary competitors but that stance could be compromised if the defender is open to a switch to Merseyside.

Liverpool's search for left-back reinforcements has been exhaustive, with last summer's signing Paul Konchesky sent out on loan back in January and now surplus to requirements along with Emiliano Insua.

But the bid for Clichy indicates they have identified their man and they must now wait on Arsenal's reaction

Source: Daily Express

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.