Arsenal clinch Clichy signing
Monday, August 4, 2003
Article summary
Arsenal FC have added to their French contingent by signing defender Gaël Clichy from AS Cannes.
Article body
Impressive trial
The 18-year-old has been on trial with the Premiership club this summer, impressing in friendlies against Peterborough United FC and Barnet FC after joining Arsenal at their Austrian training camp. Clichy then figured for the last 12 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Scottish side Celtic FC.
Wenger pleased
Speaking to Arsenal's official website, manager Arsène Wenger said: "Gaël's performances this pre-season were very impressive, he has great pace and an attacking nature. He is still only 18 and will benefit greatly from the experience of his new team-mates."
Defensive strength
The defender, who has been given the No22 shirt, is the second new recruit at Highbury this summer following the signing of German international goalkeeper Jens Lehmann from BV Borussia Dortmund. Clichy's arrival means there are now seven French players in the first-team squad, including Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira, Pascal Cygan and Jérémie Aliadière.
