Nasri looks absolutely delighted to be unveiling their new 'jockey' kit
Arsenal exodus underway as £7m Clichy heads to Man City with Fabregas out next
By John Edwards
Manchester City are closing in on £7million Gael Clichy as Arsenal brace themselves for the imminent loss of three established senior players.
Despite suggestions Everton left-back Leighton Baines could be Eastlands-bound, Sportsmail understands Clichy is Roberto Mancini's preferred choice for one of City's problem positions and that a deal is close.
With key midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Sami Nasri also heading out of the Emirates, it leaves Arsene Wenger under greater pressure than at any tme in his Arsenal reign.
Exit I: Gael Clichy (left) is set to pull on the blue of Man City next season
Exit II: Fabregas could leave
Already under the spotlight for Arsenal's continuing trophy drought, Wenger knows significant signings are needed to calm the wrath of supporters who will be up in arms at the departure of three such influential figures.
The saga of Fabregas' return to Barcelona may at last be drawing to a close, after an improved offer from the European champions, while Nasri looks increasingly likely to complete a controversial move to Old Trafford.
As revealed in Sportmail, contract rebel Nasri has overtaken Tottenham's Luka Modric and Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's prime target for the attacking midfield role vacated by the retired Paul Scholes.
Wenger faces a dilemma over the France midfielder, who refuses to renew a contract that has just 12 months to run and is believed to be keen on the idea of bolstering United's attacking options.
The Arsenal boss would rather sell to the likes of Inter Milan, than one of his main Barclays Premier League rivals, but is mindful he is in danger of losing Nasri for nothing this time next year.
Sportsmail understands he will attempt to deter United with a £15m asking price but that Ferguson will meet it to add Nasri's flair to his other recent signings, Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, Blackburn centre-back Phil Jones and Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea.
Clichy also looks bound for Manchester, as Mancini pepares to kick-start his summer recruitment drive.
Exit III: Samir Nasri poses in the new Arsenal strip but he might be wearing United's colours next season
The City manager is eager to acquire a proven, attack-minded left-back, after allowing Wayne Bridge to join West Ham on loan last season and seeing £16m signing Aleksander Kolarov struggle to adapt to English football, and has earmarked Clichy as the ideal candidate.
Like Nasri, Clichy is entering the final year of his Arsenal contract and has made it clear he wants a fresh start. Liverpool, Roma and Paris St Germain have all expressed an interest in the pacy France defender, but City have emerged as clear favourites to win the race and land him..
Though Baines has been linked with Arsenal, and might be seen as a ready-made replacement for Clichy, it is thought Wenger is ready to place his faith in Kieron Gibbs to fill the gap on the left of Arsenal's defence.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2009790/Manchester-City-consider-Gael-Clichy.html
