Barcelona are chasing Arsenal fullback Gael Clichy.

Clichy impressed Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola with two excellent performances against Barca in the Champions League quarter-final.

Guardiola has identified the need for a left back as a greater priority than a central midfielder like Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas, although the issue is clouded by the club's presidential elections in the summer, says the Daily Mail.

The Barca boss sees Clichy as a left-sided version of Dani Alves, a full back capable of attacking fluently but with the engine to carry out his defensive duties.

For Clichy, 24, it could provide the boost which propels him into the France team, where he has struggled to get past Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Barca's Eric Abidal.

He has two years left on his Arsenal contract but Clichy has not been at his most consistent this season. His place may even have come under pressure from Kieran Gibbs had the England Under 21 defender not broken his foot in November.