ARSENAL SPECIAL: 10 Possible Clichy Replacements

Due to the constant speculation and rumors that Gael Clichy won’t renew his contract and will leave this summer, I decided to make this list of 10 Possible Clichy Replacements. These suggestions and possibilites are based on how heavily they’re linked to the Gunners and of course, their ability and quality.

1. Aly Cissokho- Age: 23-  Height: 5’11”- Nation: France- Club: Olympique Lyon

 

A powerful left back, known for his physical capabilities and his constant forward bombardments. Cissokho, is one of the most highly-rated fullbacks in world football, who first grabbed the eye with his memorable performances in the two-legged Second Round Champions League match against Manchester United while at Porto. He impressed against then Man U player and star, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was given a hard time by the French fullback. Cissokho is now a French international and is wanted by many clubs all over Europe, he’s a quality player, who attacks with venom as well as being more than a capable defender who can handle his own against the best. Cissokho is more than ready to play in the big leagues and his valuation in my opinion, is in excess of 12 million pounds.

 

2. Jose Enrique- Age: 25-  Height: 6’0″- Nation: Spain- Club: Newcastle

 

A reliable player, Jose Enrique is being touted to leave Newcastle this season and is interesting some of the best in the Premier League. Jose Enrique is known for his consistency, reliability, being a great crosser and an able defender who can defend stoutly. Jose Enrique is valued by his club at around 15 million pounds, which is inflated in my opinion, as his value is closer to 8-10 million pounds.

 

 

3. Leighton Baines- Age: 26-  Height: 5’6″- Nation: England- Club: Everton

 

Definitely the most popular target by many Gooners, Baines has become one of the best left backs in the league and was the best this season. Baines is known for his tremendous work ethic, consistency, reliability, being great in both ends; defensively and attack-wise, as well as possessing a tremendous left foot and a great crosser. He is now a regular England international Everton reportedly value him at 25 million pounds and are also known for being tough negotiators, but nonetheless he’s a quality left back and player.

4. Maynor Figueroa- Age: 28-  Height: 5’11”- Nation: Honduras- Club: Wigan Athletic

 

The player known for his 60-yard wonder goal vs Stoke, Maynor Figueroa, has long been admired by the top clubs for a long time, the Honduran is known for his solid defending, reliability, as well as possessing a superb left foot, displayed by his stunner against Stoke City. Figueroa is reportedly valued at 8 million pounds.

Link to a good video compilation of Figueroa’s talents:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67fbCWuezhY

Check out his beauty against Stoke:

 

5. Benoit Tremoulinas- Age: 25- Height: 5’8″- Nation: France- Club: Bordeaux

 

A very talented left back that is heavily touted to leave Bordeaux, Benoit Tremoulinas, is a gifted full back known for his work rate, consistency, being great at both ends of the field, pace and for his superb crossing which has given former teammate, Marouane Chamakh, a good amount of goals. Tremoulinas is a target for many top clubs around in Europe and is now a French international. In my opinion, it’ll take an offer in excess of 10 million pounds to persuade his club to let him go.

6. Emilio Izaguirre- Age: 25-  Height: 5’10”- Nation: Honduras- Club: Celtic

 

One of the best signings of the SPL this season, Emilio Izaguirre has made a huge impact with Celtic, and has endeared himself to the fans with his exciting attacking play and great performances. Izaguirre, is a player known for his tireless running and his constant forward bombardments. He’s a good crosser and is a threat going forward, he can sometimes be a liability in defence due to his constant forward forays, but overall he’s an exciting player who can play for a top club in a Europe. His transfer value is around 10 million pounds.

 

7. Pablo Armero- Age: 24-  Height: 5’8″- Nation: Colombia- Club: Udinese

 

A powerful wing back, known for his physicality, skill with the ball and his excellent runs forward. Pablo Armero, is an exciting player who has been excellent this season in the Serie A, and is one of the reasons for Udinese getting into the Champions League Qualifiers. Armero has been linked and is interesting some of the best clubs in Europe, can also play equally as well as a left winger. He would probably cost around 12-15 million pounds.

 

8. Federico Balzaretti- Age: 29- Height: 5’10”- Nation: Italy- Club: Palermo

 

The reliable and consistent Italian international, Federico Balzaretti, is touted to move on this summer and there will be a number of clubs interested. Balzaretti, is a player known for his constant bombardments going forwards and providing excellent crosses. He’s not only good attack wise, but does a good job defensively as well, and is a reliable and consistent player. He is valued in between 7-10 million pounds.

Here is a short video, but it mostly displays his attacking side:

From within the club-

9. Kieran Gibbs- Age: 21- Height: 5’11”- Nation: England

 

A player expected to be the future left back for both the Gunners and England, Kieran Gibbs, is considered as one of England’s brightest talents and is highly rated by many. Gibbs, certainly has the talent and potential to become an excellent full back, but he has suffered a lot with a spate of injuries which has slowed his progress down. Many Gooners don’t see him as a suitable replacement for Clichy, and is considered to be more of a winger than a fullback. I believe that Gibbs has the ability to play that role and become an excellent fullback, but he needs to get games and to stay fit. For now though, he’s not ready yet.

10. Thomas Vermaelen- Age: 25- Height: 5’11”- Nation: Belgium

 

A far-fetched option that is being suggested due to speculation of potential defensive deals. Vemaelen has played before as left back with his previous club, Ajax, and is a solid option. Vermaelen has the pace, the defensive ability, as well as possessing an excellent left foot.; Vermaelen has the ability to play as a left back. Despite that, I doubt that Wenger would utilize that option; Vermaelen is a quality central defender…. nothing less, nothing more.

What do you think? Are any of these targets good enough to replace Clichy or to be a Gunner? Is Gibbs ready to be a regular full back with the Gunners? Should Vermaelen be considered as an option? Please share your thoughts and opinions.

Cheers and take care,

Omar – www.o-posts.net