Op-Ed: Soccer - Gaël Clichy undergoes medical at Manchester City

Manchester - Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger must think fast ahead of the new Premier League season, as fellow Frenchman Gaël Clichy today arrived at Eastlands for a medical.

The move has been largely reported over the past few weeks, as the £7 million ($11 million) deal is expected to go through in the very near future. Newcastle’s José Enrique has been linked as a replacement for Clichy, although Liverpool are also thought to be interested in the Spaniard's services. Reports suggest that City are also offering the Gunners a further £20 million ($32 million) to steal Samir Nasri, another prized asset to the North Londoners. Meanwhile, Champions League winners Barcelona continue to prove a thorn in the side of Wenger, attempting to convince the Frenchman to sell captain Cesc Fàbregas - a man who started his career at Camp Nou. With £34 million ($55 million) currently on the table, Arsenal are apparently holding out for an improved bid. Although he has been somewhat overshadowed by the news surrounding Clichy, Nasri and Fàbregas, Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner is also expected to leave the Emirates this summer. Bendtner has been with the Gunners since 2005, and reports suggest that Portuguese club Benfica are willing to offer £12 million ($19 million) for his signature. Wenger has some serious rebuilding to do, especially if it means ending Arsenal's six year trophy drought.