Milan eyeing up move for Gael Clichy

AC Milan are set to launch a summer raid for Gael Clichy after the Arsenal defender hinted he could be interested in a move to Italy.

Carlo Ancelotti is understood to have identified the 23-year-old as Paolo Maldini's long-term replacement and the club are buoyed by the Frenchman's response.

Although Clichy insists he is enjoying life at Emirates Stadium, his appreciation of Milan's interest has left the door open for a bid thought to be in the region of £12million.

"I am very happy at Arsenal," he said. "It is true AC Milan are a great club. It is flattering to know you are followed by such a team."

The Gunners, who sold Mathieu Flamini to Milan last year, may also have to fend off interest in midfielder Amaury Bischoff, who has struggled to break into the first team following his move from Werder Bremen last summer.

Pascal Granier, Bischoff's agent, said: "We have clubs interested in Amaury, there are plenty of clubs in Europe interested in my players. I have links in France, Germany and even in England for my players. We just need to wait a bit and sit down with Bischoff and we will decide his future."