Nobody really knows who Arsenal’s first choice left-back will be at the start of next season. Arsenal’s current left-back Gael Clichy has fifteen months left on his current contract and negotiations regarding a new deal at the Emirates Stadium are heading nowhere. Clichy has supposedly walked out of the negotiations after being unhappy at the basic wage being offered.
Clichy’s contract ends after the 2011-12 season, and he has admirers all over the continent. Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on the French star. North London rivals Tottenham are also willing to offer him a huge pay-rise to move to White Hart Lane. Liverpool are currently using Glen Johnson as a makeshift left back, and could well do with his services.
If Clichy fails to agree to a new deal by the end of this season, Arsenal are expected to cash in on him rather than allowing him to leave on a free twelve months down the line. Currently, Kieran Gibbs is the back-up full back at Arsenal. The 21-year old England international could well slot into Clichy’s position but his lack of experience could well count against him.
Given this scenario, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Celtic’s Honduran left-back Emilio Izaguirre. Arsene Wenger may have move early in order to sign Izaguirre as Manchester United and Liverpool have also been closely tracking his progress.
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