Clichy signs new Arsenal contract

Gael Clichy has played 146 games for Arsenal

Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has signed a new "long-term" contract at The Emirates, the club has announced.

The 22-year-old French left-back joined the Gunners from Cannes in 2003.

Clichy has established himself as a regular in Arsene Wenger's side following Ashley Cole's controversial departure to Chelsea.

And Clichy - who made more first-team appearances than any other Arsenal player last season - has been rewarded with a new deal by Wenger.

Clichy has now made 146 appearances for Arsenal and was named in the Professional Footballers' Association team of the year at the end of last season.

Arsenal have not revealed the length of the Frenchman's new deal, describing it simply as "long-term'.

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Clichy has been linked with a move to Italian side Roma, with the Serie A runners-up reportedly interested even after they signed John-Arne Riise from Liverpool.

But despite quotes from Roma coach Luciano Spalletti - and Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri - declaring their interest in the 22-year-old Frenchman, Clichy has committed himself to the Gunners for the foreseeable future.