Last of the Invincibles Departs

So the first exodus of players at the Emirates has started. The French and Toulouse born and left back, Gaël Clichy, has parted ways with Arsenal after 8 years at the club. A consistent performer who always gave 100%. His new destination is that of About Diaby's long lost cousins club, Manchester City.


A player who was bought in from Cannes, with a reputation as an attacking left back, but who mainly played in front of Ashley Cole whenever he came on off the bench in his early days. Clichy managed to make enough appearances in the 2003-2004 unbeaten season to claim a winners medal in the Premier League and to this day was the last 'Invincible' left remaining at the club.

Still have a smile on his face come end of season?

As far as I'm concerned the loss of Clichy isn't a big blow as Cole was replaced, who was a much better all round left back than Clichy, so Clichy he can be replaced as well. However this has left a void for any player to make it his own place in the starting line up. I don't think any 'left back' currently at the club (Gibbs, Traoré) can quite cut it yet for a whole season. The thought of Vermaelen being moved to a make shift left back is one I dread to think about. Why take him out of his best position just to fill a hole is beyond me.


Arsenal have been linked with Aly Cissokho from Lyon, who moved from Porto in 2009 to the French outfit. However a 23 year-old isn't really saying he's any better than Clichy. At least replace class with class. But I can't judge the guy as I haven't even seen anything of him. The thing is I could easily name world class right backs, but i can't think of many left backs who we could attract. If someone along the lines of Sagna's defensive ability with the crossing of Daniel Alves, now that would be a dream.


I'd like to say thank you to Clichy for serving the club this long, 8 years in this day and age is quite loyal and a long time. However I do not wish you the best of luck. Who in their right mind would want another club to do better than their own?


The search for the next best left back continues... (maybe get Winterburn out of retirement?).

Manchester City Close to Signing Not One.. But Two!

If rumours are led to believe, Manchester City are honing in on Clichy for around £7m and Nasri for £20m. With the already increasingly look of Fabregas departing for Barcelona, losing another two first teamers is quite extreme. However Clichy hasn't been at his best since the Birmingham City game where Eduardo had his ankle and leg mauled.


Nasri on the other hand has played at a top level for half a season out of his three years at Arsenal. Albeit he could continue this form into the rest of his career, he hasn't contributed a great deal to the club.


Personally I don't think either two would be a big loss. Okay, it's to rivals who will only strengthen them but we made the players they are today, so to sell them on for a large profit and bring in other quality players in their position (which we must do!), then I'd say they can leave for pastures new.

Eto'o Sounds Out England

Samuel Eto'o has been linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League after confirming he'd like a chance to test himself in one of the toughest leagues still. Arsenal and Manchester City seem to be the front runners.

The former Barcelona scoring sensation who now plays for Italian giants Inter Milan still possessess his electric pace and ability to score at any moment. At the age of 30 he'd be perfect fit for Arsenal and if Eto'o were to come to England, we'd better snap him up quickly.