Gael Clichy tells Arsenal he wants to leave with Inter leading chase
The French left-back is ready to turn down interest from English clubs and make a £5.5m move to the continent with a transfer to the Italian giants most likely
May 24, 2011 2:20:00 PM
Gael Clichy has told Arsenal that he wants to leave the club with Inter emerging as favourites to land his signature.
Liverpool and Manchester City have both made approaches for the 25-year-old while German side Bayern Munich have also made the left-back aware of their interest.
Clichy, whose contract expires in 2012, has told manager Arsene Wenger he is ready to pursue a move to a new club. Sources close to the France international believe a departure is now inevitable.
Inter have made their interest in Clichy clear to Arsenal and held informal talks with the player. The Gunners are demanding a £5.5 (€6.3) million fee for their longest-serving player and will not stand in the way of a move, given that Clichy can move for free in 12 months time.
Should the Serie A outfit meet the Gunners' asking price then a switch could be completed early in the transfer window.
Inter’s on-loan Japanese left-back Yuto Nagatomo has been a big hit at San Siro since January but Cristian Chivu struggled in that role earlier in the season and the Italian club are keen to permanently fill what has become a problem position for them.
Clichy, who can also expect a hike on his £50,000-a-week (€57,000) wages given the more favourable tax rates in Italy, fits the bill as a proven performer at left-back.
I'm for this transfer let's get him