Clichy to be offered for Baines as Reds track deal

Arsenal are to offer full-back Gael Clichy to Everton in exchange for England star Leighton Baines, although fellow Merseysiders Liverpool are said to be keeping a close eye on any talks as they are also in the market for a left-back.

French international Clichy will be left with just one year left on his contract with the Gunners this summer, and the player refuses to discuss a new one with the club until then.

Fearful that he may snub a new deal and eventually leave the club for nothing, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has identified the Toffees' Leighton Baines as his number one target.

It was thought that Wenger was planning to make Everton manager David Moyes an offer of up to £10million for Baines, but he could now offer Gael Clichy as a straight swap.

The fact that Juventus are thought to be ready to offer £13.2million for Clichy illustrates how highly the Arsenal manager rates Baines.

Wenger is believed to be confident that the former Wigan player could take Clichy's place in the team and set a good example for young England defender Kieran Gibbs.

Clichy signed for Arsenal from Cannes in 2003 at the age of 18 and has gone on to establish himself as the side's first-choice left-back, also establishing himself in the France squad as understudy to Patrice Evra.

Source: Metro

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