When it comes to left-backs, Liverpool have been linked to all and sundry this season. Given Liverpool’s need in this area, it’s not surprising that the headline makers have created a few strange or implausible rumour mill entries. However, for Arsenal’s Gael Clichy to be linked so strongly with Liverpool strikes me as most bizarre. Yet Caughtoffside.com recently reported that the Reds are seeking to bring the Arsenal man to Anfield in a £9m move.
Paul Konchesky had started the season as Liverpool’s first choice left-back, but failed to hold down his place and was soon shipped off to Championship side Nottingham Forest on loan. With the likes of Emiliano Insua also out on loan and Fabio Aurelio injured, it’s fair to say that Liverpool have struggled in the left-back position this season. Although youngster Jack Robinson has been impressive for his age and demonstrated a great deal of potential, he can hardly be viewed as a short-term solution.
Liverpool need to bring in a talented left-back this season. Caughtoffside suggests that Clichy is ‘considering his future’ at Arsenal and may be willing to make a move to Anfield. Much about the story, however gives me cause to doubt its veracity.
Firstly, it fails to explain away these quotes from the Frenchman himself: “Wenger persuaded me to come here at a time when I was receiving offers from other clubs – and I have to say that my present and my future is with Arsenal… I am leaving talks over my contract with my agent so that I can focus on my football.”
It’s clear that Gael Clichy wants to be an Arsenal player for the foreseeable future. The 25-year-old also told reporters: “I have always wanted to be at a club where I am content. Money is important but it is not a decisive factor. All I want is to win a title – that’s my ultimate ambition.”
If his ultimate ambition is to win a title, why would he seek a move away from Arsenal to Liverpool, who are clearly going through a transitional phase at the moment? Even the most ambitious and optimistic Liverpool fan must agree that Arsenal have a better chance of winning the Premier League than Liverpool do next season. Or, in more realistic terms – why would Clichy move from one club that can’t win a trophy to another one?
Furthermore, I seriously doubt that Clichy would be happy forgoing a season in the Champion’s League.
In my opinion Liverpool would have more luck going after Newcastle’s Jose Enrique or looking abroad perhaps to Benfica’s Fabio Coentrao in search of their left-back. Given Clichy’s comments, a move to Anfield just doesn’t look like a realistic possibility at the moment.
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not sure we[lfc]will bring this lad to ANFIELD,the managers should go to potuguees league there are good players over there for example DAVID LUIZ of CHELSEA,they should forget about jose enrique or clichy and go to poto fc,or sporting braga that league [portugues]they are bless with good midfielders-wingers-defenders-strikers.and they wont cost much.
you people are hilarious!
HOW MUCH!!!!!?????!!!!!! Gibbs is worth at least £10m so why would Arsenal sell Clichy for £9m to one of their main rivals????? Try again M8
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