Gael Clichy is on the verge of a £7million move to Manchester City as Roberto Mancini sets about reshaping his defence, writes Mike Whalley.

The 25-year-old is the man Mancini wants to fill the left-back spot, which was a problem position for the Blues last term.

Aleksandar Kolarov has struggled to make the role his own since arriving from Lazio for £16m last summer.

And although Everton’s Leighton Baines has also been linked with a move to Eastlands, Clichy has emerged as the top choice for the job.

The French full-back is Arsenal’s longest-serving player, having arrived from Cannes in 2003.

But sources in North London suggest that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is resigned to letting him go, and sees England youngster Kieran Gibbs as his long-term left-back.

Clichy, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain, has a year left on his contract at The Emirates.
Mancini has made it a priority to strengthen the Blues’ back line.

In addition to Clichy, the Blues are looking at Partizan Belgrade's £6m-rated centre-back Stefan Savic.