Clichy ready to sign on - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Clichy ready to sign on

Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has revealed he is on the brink of signing a new four-year deal with the club.

Clichy has made the left-back role at Emirates Stadium his own following Ashley Cole's departure Chelsea in 2006 and some solid performances this season - where he was the only player to feature in every single one of Arsenal's Premier League games - won him a place in the PFA team of the year.

"We're at the end of our discussions," Clichy told www.francefootball.fr. "Everything's going well because my intention is clear: I want to stay at Arsenal."

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid, but insists he wants to remain in north London.

He added: "I would love to have a career here like Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, to stay many years at Arsenal and leave my mark on the club.

"I've been in London for five years. If everything goes well I will stay here for at least eight years."

Clichy's current contract expires in 2010, a year before boss Arsene Wenger's, and the youngster claims his manager was a major factor in his decision to extend his deal.

"We're talking about a further two years," Clichy added. "And in that period, the coach will still be at the club.

"I never hesitated, not at all. Arsenal is one of the great clubs in Europe."

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