Manchester City complete the signing of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy

Manchester City have complete the signing of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy on a four year deal after the French international completed a medical in Manchester today.

Heading north: Gael Clichy leaves Arsenal to sign with Roberto Mancini's Manchester City

The deal represents the first major signing for Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini this summer. Others are anticipated, with Clichy's now former team-mate Samir Nasri high on the Italian's list of targets.

Yet Mancini has been forced to accept bringing new players to the club is not going to be as easy as he wished due to Uefa's new financial fair play rules, which have now taken effect.

Although that in itself will not curtail the City's spending power, there is a problem with the number of highly-paid players on their books that Mancini has no obvious use for.

Wayne Bridge, for instance, spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham and, following Clichy's arrival, will find himself shunted even further down the pecking order.

"Arsenal Football Club can confirm that the transfer of Gael Clichy toManchester City has been completed for an undisclosed fee," read a statement on the Arsenal website.

Arsène Wenger said: “We would like to thank Gael for eight years of terrific service to Arsenal, during which time he gave absolutely everything for the Club. He has grown and developed so much since joining us in 2003, and has been a crucial part of the team over recent seasons.

"Gael leaves with our respect and best wishes. We wish him the very best for his future career.”"

Clichy joined Arsenal from Cannes in August 2003, and made 264 appearances in all competitions for the north London club.

In his debut season in 2004 Gael became the youngest player at the time to win a Premier League medal aged 18 years and 10 months.

“I have had eight fantastic years at Arsenal and made many friends," Clichy said.

"I have so many great memories from my time at Highbury and Emirates Stadium. I would like to say thank you to everyone at Arsenal for all of their support and friendship. I also want to send a big thank you to all the Arsenal supporters, who have always been so good to me.”