Could this Arsenal man be just the solution to Liverpool’s problems?

Could Arsenal’s Gael Clichy be set to make a shock move to Liverpool? It’s a rumour that’s been circulating around for quite some time and whilst it first struck me as ridiculous now that I’ve had some time to mull it over has an air of plausibility. Before we consider whether there’s any truth to the rumours, or if Clichy would even consider a move to Anfield, Liverpool fans must first consider this question: would the Frenchman be a good fit for their club?

Liverpool have struggled in the left-back position this season. They started the season with Paul Konchesky as their first-choice left-back, but he failed to hold down a position in the squad and was shipped off to Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan. Unfortunately, Fabio Aurelio who was promoted to first-choice left-back picked up an injury and hasn’t featured as much as Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would have hoped for. With Emiliano Insua also out on loan, Liverpool have had to rely on youngster Jack Robinson, who has displayed craft and ability beyond his years when called upon this season.

But a 17-year-old can scarcely be regarded as the short-term solution to Liverpool’s lack of a proper left-back. Given that Aurelio is injured more often than not and that Glen Johnson isn’t a left-back, Liverpool will definitely need to make an addition in that area of the squad this summer.

By the season’s close Clichy will be entering the final year of his contract with the Gunners. If Arsenal can’t agree terms with the Frenchman, Liverpool could pick him up at a cut-price. Figures of £9-12m have been touted by the Press, and for such a fee, Clichy would represent a bargain.

Whilst he may be available for cheap, if (and it’s a big if) he doesn’t agree new terms with Arsenal, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Liverpool should jump at the chance to acquire his services. It’s my belief that Clichy was in his best form for Arsenal two-or-three seasons ago and has been in decline ever since – not a good sign for a footballer who is only 25-years-old. He may be quick and he may work tirelessly to get up and down Arsenal’s flank, but his crossing is negligible and the defensive side of his game needs a lot of work.

If you’ve watched him playing over the course of the last couple of seasons you’ll have noticed that he has developed a frustrating tendency of switching off in the middle of opposition attacks. It’s a propensity that has often been costly for the Gunners. Liverpool simply don’t need the headache that Clichy would provide them with. Given that I can’t imagine Clichy being any cheaper than the likes of Jose Enrique, I fail to see what reason Liverpool have to side with the Frenchman.

Whilst I’d prefer Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao or Everton’s Leighton Baines, I understand that these two players may be slightly more costly. Should NESV not be willing to splash out, Jose Enrique will make for a fine addition, with Robinson and Aurelio providing adequate cover. I just hope that Dalglish isn’t persuaded to make a move for Clichy.

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