Manchester City defender Micah Richards has put the Gunners on red-hot alert as the Englishman eyes an exit to his Etihad nightmare.

City Boy

It has been reported that Richards is interested in a move away after being frozen out by the club’s recent management, his last start for City coming in early March during the FA Cup loss to Wigan.

Arsène Wenger, reportedly a big fan of the versatile defender, has monitored his position at the club heavily and would be willing to spend big to get an adequate replacement for his long-term right back.

Wheeling and Dealing

The decision to pursue Richards has been triggered by the strong indications that Bacary Sagna is set to leave Arsenal in the summer once his contract runs out.

It has been suggested that Sagna would be interested in a move up north to Manchester City, giving Arsenal potential leeway in negotiating a move for the former England international.

Despite the heavy rumours, City manager Manuel Pellegrini refused last month to be drawn on the subject of signing their rival’s player before the transfer window has opened.

Cryptic Tweets

Richards posted a cryptic tweet on his page on Saturday, suggesting that he has been doing some heavy thinking over his long-term future as of late.

Sometimes in life you just have to be grateful for what u have

He has had an abrupt drop from the top, falling out of favour with Fabio Capello at international level, while he was deemed surplus to requirements during Roberto Mancini’s stint at the club.

Fresh Start

While Arsenal fans are resigned to the fact that one of their most popular stars, Bacary Sagna, is set to leave, they will be excited that an adequate replacement is being lined up by the club.

Richards is still only 25, English and can play across the backline. With a committed manager and an attitude to work hard, he could still save his career and Arsenal’s defense.

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