Clichy Close To Man City Move

A number of UK media outlets are reporting Gael Clichy is set to leave Arsenal in the next few days, with the left-back close to sealing a move to Manchester City. It is understood that the French defender will complete a move to Eastlands once he passes a medical and agrees personal terms.

This would be a fine signing for City. Three seasons ago Clichy was considered one of the best left backs in the Premier League, so if he can recapture that form (and at just 25 years old he has every chance) then they could be grabbing themselves a bargain. £7m is the price, reduced significantly due to the one year remaining on his contract.

Any deal will surely see 2010/11 fantasy favourite Aleksandar Kolarov moving on along with Wayne "yeah I'm still here" Bridge and leave Arsenal with options regarding a replacement. Do they give young Kieron Gibbs his chance or do they actually spend some money? A big decision in a summer of even bigger decisions for Arsene Wenger & Co.

Update: City are reportedly in for Nasri too according to Sky Sports this evening...

Cheers,
AM

2011/12 Fixtures Released

Premier League 2011/12 Fixtures have been released... 

...and the opening weekend matches are as follows:

Saturday, 13 August 2011
Blackburn v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Fulham v Aston Villa, 15:00
Liverpool v Sunderland, 15:00
Man City v Swansea, 15:00
Newcastle v Arsenal, 15:00
QPR v Bolton, 15:00
Stoke v Chelsea, 15:00
Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
West Brom v Man Utd, 15:00
Wigan v Norwich, 15:00

Just 56 days to go! 

Cheers,
AM

Who Next For Liverpool?

I had planned to write a piece on the increased transfer activity from the past 48 hours which has seen two English youngsters on the verge of big money moves (Henderson to Liverpool, Jones to Man Utd) and a pile of rubbish about to be dumped on Sunderland (Gibson, Brown & O'Shea) but Jeremy and Neal had already covered the subject over on Fantasy EPL.

Instead I'll turn my attention to Liverpool's next move/s in the transfer market. Dalglish is aware he still has a number of areas of the squad to strengthen and it's clear the new owners mean business, so we can expect to see some more cash-splashing over the next 6 weeks.

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If You Had To Choose One...

I know the majority of transfer stories at this time of the year are utter nonsense, but this is more a general question to Arsenal fans regarding the future of their team.

We all know the Cesc Fabregas to Barca rumours have been boring the hell out of us for a few years now but the latest story doing the rounds is regarding Samir Nasri's new contract. If you missed it, here are the quotes from the BBC:

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Spurs Sign Friedel

Friedel To Spurs - tottenhamhotspur.com

We are delighted to announce that Brad Friedel has agreed to join the Club on a two-year deal. The former Liverpool and Galatasaray goalkeeper has established himself as one of the Premier League's leading players in his position.

Manager Harry Redknapp said: "Brad is a top goalkeeper of real quality who has great experience. It is good to have three such experienced top goalkeepers at the Club in Gomes, Carlo and now Brad and it means we have competition for places particularly with the number of games we will hopefully face next year both domestically and in Europe as well."

An interesting signing. There's little doubt that 40-year old Friedel is coming to the end of his career but he is still one of the most consistent keepers in the league. It appears he's been given assurances over the No.1 shirt so with Cudicini signing a year extension last month this will surely mean Gomes is on his way out of White Hart Lane this summer. Despite what Redknapp says about "competition for places" he doesn't need all 3 of them.

I'm aware Spurs can't afford or attract a top European keeper without Champions League football, so I'm reasonably happy with this move. What are your thoughts?

Cheers,
AM