Italian duo target Clichy

Roma and Juventus reveal admiration for full-back

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 20th June 2008

Italian duo target Clichy

Clichy: Italian interest

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Gael Clichy is the latest Arsenal star to be linked with a summer move away from Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners' failure to land any silverware last season is coming back to haunt them as Europe's biggest clubs attempt to lure several of Arsene Wenger's squad away from North London.

Italian giants Milan have already snapped up France international Mathieu Flamini, while the Rossoneri remain keen on striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Barcelona's continued interest in Alexander Hleb would suggest that the Belarus playmaker is set for the exit, and the last thing Wenger needed was further speculation disrupting his pre-season plans.

French full-back Clichy has been with the Gunners since 2003, establishing himself as the club's first choice left-back following the departure of Ashley Cole to Chelsea two years ago.

He has matured into a classy attacking defender, catching the eye of Serie A powerhouses Roma and Juventus.

Improvement

Roma have only recently agreed a deal to take Liverpool's John Arne Riise to the Italian capital, but Luciano Spalletti admits that Clichy remains a potential target.

"Clichy is an excellent defender of international class," said Spalletti.

"He is also still very young, so has plenty of football improvement left in him.

"Certainly, it would please me a great deal to see Gael Clichy in a Roma shirt.

"We will have to wait and see what develops."

Versatile

Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, now in charge at Juventus, is another to reveal his admiration for Clichy.

"Having worked in England with Chelsea, I know the Premier League players very well and have to admit that Gael Clichy is one of the most impressive players right now.

"He is an important player, above all, because of his versatility.

"I believe he can play anywhere down the left and across the defence too. He could come to Juventus."