Mancini lands £7m Arsenal defender Clichy to open up City’s recruitment

Clichy completed his medical yesterday and spent the afternoon meeting with club officials to seal his move north from Arsenal.

It has been suggested City would be paying £7m for the full-back, who is Roberto Mancini’s first summer signing.

Although Arsene Wenger was keen to keep his fellow Frenchman, with Clichy about to enter the final year of his contract, having indicated he was not willing to agree an extension, Arsenal had little option but to cash in.

“I am really happy to be joining such a great club,” Clichy said after signing a four-year contract.

“I hope I can add to the quality we already have here because we have a fantastic squad who I believe will continue to get better.

“I can’t wait to get started and I think anything is possible with this team.”

Attention will immediately turn to whether he will be swiftly followed north by Samir Nasri, who has been attracting interest from both Manchester clubs.

Wigan have completed the signing of goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi from Bolton on a four-year contract.

The Oman international spent last season on loan at the DW Stadium and was keen to return but the deal was held up because the two clubs could not come to an agreement on the fee. However, the Latics are believed to have met Wanderers’ £4m valuation and Al Habsi, Wigan’s player of the season, was able to make his move permanent.

Bolton defender Ricardo Gardner has signed a one-year contract extension.

Burnley captain Graham Alexander has left Turf Moor after having the final year of his deal at the club cancelled by mutual consent.

The 39-year-old joined the Clarets from Preston in August 2007 and became the second outfield player to reach 1,000 career appearances in English football.

Watford have signed Scunthorpe defender David Mirfin on a two-year deal after his contract expired at Glanford Park.

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as they target a new No 1 for next season.

Tranmere have accepted an offer from Bayern Munich for 18-year-old striker Dale Jennings.