Swap to be lined up for Baines?

There is a very strange rumour that Arsène Wenger is set to the offer his full back Gael Clichy to Everton, in exchange for the up and coming England left-back Leighton Baines. By the summer Clichy will only have a year left on his contract and it is being said that the Frenchman has stalled in signing a contract extension.

The Metro reports that Wenger is fearful of losing Clichy on a free transfer next summer and thinks he may be able to use Clichy in a straight swap for Baines. Previously it had been reported that the Gunners would offer Everton £10 million for the Englishman.

Meanwhile Liverpool are also keeping an eye on Baines (the report continues) and may well try to hijack Arsenal’s move with a bid of their own. Juventus are also reported to be interested and are prepared to offer £13.2 million for Clichy.

Wenger believes that the England international will be able to slot into his Arsenal side with little effort and can be a good example for youngster Kieran Gibbs.