We at ThisisFutbol have kept a close eye on Gael Clichy’s position at Arsenal. The left-back’s contract with the club is set to expire next summer and Clichy has yet to put pen to paper and agree new terms with the Gunners. As a result, journalists have been furiously pumping out stories regarding his future and he’s been linked heavily to Liverpool who are currently seeking a new left-back.
According to Goal.com, Liverpool have competition in the race to acquire the Frenchman’s services from big-spenders Manchester City and Real Madrid. What I find most amusing about this story however is the valuation placed on Clichy’s head. The belief is that the Gunner’s would be ready to let go of their first-choice left-back this summer for a fee of only £5.5m.
I understand that he’s only got 12 months left on his contract and could leave for free next summer but that still seems like an inordinately low sum to pay for a top class left-back like Gael Clichy. Forget also the 26-year-old’s frustrating tendency for switching off midgame and letting opponents take advantage – he’s still one of the best full backs currently plying his trade in the Premier League.
He’s certainly one of the quickest players to play as a full-back. He gets up and down the left flank at breakneck pace, he can tackle and pressure well and when he’s paying attention he’s a perfectly good defender. Going forward his pace is a real asset and his crossing has improved a lot this season. In summary, whilst this hasn’t been the best season for Clichy, he still has the base assets that make him worth more than a meagre £5.5m.
Let’s not forget that this is a man who has been a first-choice left back for a top four team since Ashley Cole left Arsenal back in 2006. He’s the Gunners longest-serving player and has a remarkable amount of experience considering his age. I can’t help but feel that Clichy has been wildly undervalued. Arsenal should be looking for something in the region of £10-15m for his services.
Gael Clichy has spoken of his desire to remain an Arsenal player but if Arsenal do want to move him on, Arsene Wenger will see to it that they get a fair fee for the Frenchman. He’s a decent player and there’s hardly a plethora of top-class experienced left-backs out there available for under £20m. He won’t be available for as cheap as publications like Goal.com seem to believe.
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Glen Johnson went for 20 mil,dont insult Gael he is worth as much.
How can he be valued as 5million. Way to little. He is one of the best left backs out there.