Arsenal Transfer News: Losing Clichy is a Sad Sign of the Times for Gunners

There was a day when Arsenal could hold their heads high amidst in coming transfer news. Those days are, sadly, quite far gone. 

The Gunners enjoyed success through the '90s and early '00s, but have fallen on a dry spell that makes you wonder if they will ever regain top form. 

They have been without any trophy for six long years, winning the FA Cup in 2005. It used to be that talent would clamor for a chance to run with the Gunners. 

Now it seems Arsenal is just a small step to grander heights for some of the best in the game. The ship is taking on water, and I am unsure if Arsene Wenger has the first idea of how to plug its holes. 

The biggest news of the day is the loss of star fullback Gael Clichy. There was a genuine worry that he would bolt the squad in the last few days. Now, The Daily Mail reports the rumors and innuendo have lead to a grand day for Manchester City. 

The pocket book was opened wide, and Clichy is now the £7million man for City, as it were. The bleeding does not end with their gifted defender. 

Arsenal is set to lose two more studs of the pitch. Samir Nasri could very well find himself with his old teammate at Manchester City; that is, if United do not nab him first. 

The one thing Wenger has done to spoil all efforts is to recruit Lille striker Gervinho. The hope is that having a buddy with Arsenal will lure Nasri to stay with the squad. This is how bad it has gotten for the North Londoners. 

All of this pales to the loss of Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal may soon lose out over a huge buyout of their skipper by Spanish giant Barcelona. 

Are you seeing a theme here? The bigger sides are drawing the talent, and Arsenal is left to cross their fingers and hope. 

The once proud football club is no longer an elite side than will contend for silver. It is a new day in the Premiership, and Arsenal is on the outside looking in.