Gael Clichy is the first Arsenal player to leave the Emirates this summer, but he certainly will not be the last.
Clichy has signed a four-year deal with Premier League rivals Manchester City for a reported fee of £7m.
The defender, who joined the Gunners from French club Cannes in 2003, is City boss Roberto Mancini’s first signing of the summer.
“I’m really happy to be joining such a great club. I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad,” Clichy said on the Man City web site. “I can’t wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team.”
Left-back has been a problem for Roberto Mancini who has tried Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov there. He is hoping that the 25-year-old Clichy can give him the stability that he is looking for at that position.
Clichy is just the first of the Arsenal players expected to leave this summer. Cesc Fabregas is once again being linked with Barcelona while Sami Nasri is reported to want away from Arsenal also.
Throw in Arshavin, Almunia, Denilson and Bendtner and Arsene Wenger could see as many as seven of his squad from last season move away this summer.