It was widely reported in the British press that Bacary Sagna is unlikely to sign a new contract at Arsenal, paving the way for a free transfer in July. As always, several stories appeared linking the North London club to potential replacements.

Sime Vrsaljko

The strongest links were saved for a largely unknown Croatian, Sime Vrsaljko, with rumours Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Vrsaljko play for club side Genoa.

Vrsaljko certainly fits the stereotype of an Arsene Wenger signing. At 21, he is young and relatively inexperienced, though undoubtedly talented.

Going forward, the full-back possesses great vision, technique, pace and stamina, though there are doubts as to his defensive capability.

A key quality that would attract Wenger is the Croatian’s versatility. In his own words, he has “played further up the right flank in midfield and attack. I have even played in central midfield”, though right-back is where his future lies.

Moreover, an asset that would encourage Wenger is his height. At six foot, Vrsaljko would add much needed aerial power to Arsenal’s back line.

Though more experienced than current backup Carl Jenkinson, Vrsaljko is nevertheless far from the finished product and at the same age, it would not make sense to have two right-backs of similar levels of development and ability.

Five alternatives to consider

Juanfran

Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in the Spanish international Juanfran over the summer, and pursuing the Atletico Madrid star would be a far better option. At 28, Juanfran is in the peak of his career, and has been rewarded for his fine form with five caps for Spain since breaking into the squad in 2012.

Similar in style to Vrsaljko, strong going forward, tall and quick, Juanfran has far more experience and has played at the top level, winning trophies and appearing in the Champions League. His attacking play is similar in style to Jenkinson, direct and determined, though of a greater quality.

A potential stumbling block is his apparent content in Madrid. He has expressed his desire to stay at Atletico several times and, with the team winning eight out of eight and level with Barcelona at the top, including an impressive away victory in the Madrid derby, there is no reason for him to change his mind.

Ignazio Abate

Another option would be Milan’s Italian full-back Ignazio Abate. A regular for the national side since 2011, and first-choice for the Rossoneri since 2011, the Italian comes with bags of experience. Another strong attacking full-back, Abate nonetheless is a strong defender, though prone to mistakes.

With Milan struggling this season, reported interest from Arsenal in the past, and a contract running out in 2014, Abate is a realistic, adequate target, although there are no doubt better options.

Angel Rangel

At Swansea since 2007, Rangel is well established in England, having played in League One, the Championship and the Premier League. A technically gifted player who fits perfectly into Swansea’s passing game (his passing percentage regularly exceeds 90%), Rangel would no doubt suit Arsenal’s similar style.

At 30, he is running out of time to represent one of Europe’s big clubs, a move he no doubt deserves. Furthermore his age would keep the transfer fee low. Conversely, his age could work against a move to Arsenal. He is the same age as Sagna, and unproven at the highest level. Unfortunately for Rangel, it could be a risk Wenger is unwilling to take.

Micah Richards

Hailed as the next big thing after breaking into Manchester City’s first team aged 17 in 2005, Micah Richards has struggled since; his injury record over the past couple of the seasons is Diaby-esque. Richards however is a very gifted defender and would improve Arsenal’s defence no end.

His versatility would further appeal to Wenger. Richards can play at right-back or at centre-back, indeed is arguably better in the centre. At 25, he has time to overcome his injury troubles and return to the level he merits. A boyhood Arsenal fan, Richards would surely listen to any offers from the Gunners.

Seamus Coleman

Leighton Baines has received all the plaudits over the past few years at Everton, leading to Coleman passing slightly under the radar. There is no doubting his talent however. The Irish international has been a regular feature at Everton, gaining praise for his attacking ability as well as his defensive stability. His recent form has been impressive, particularly going forward.

Acquiring his services could prove difficult, particularly if Baines eventually signs for Manchester United as expected. Everton will certainly do all they can to hold onto Coleman: a Premier League-inflated price of over £10 million may be necessary. Even so, there is no doubting Coleman’s ability, and it is likely he would welcome a move to a Champions League club.

Who should we sign?

There are clearly several options, and there is no doubt that Arsenal are exhausting all resources available in anticipation of Sagna’s departure. I have focused here on realistic targets, as well as, aside from Coleman, players linked with Arsenal over the past few years.

Thus players like Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos and Dani Alves haven’t been considered, although with the recent arrival of Mesut Ozil, if we are top of the league in January, we will be able to attract a higher calibre of player. Further options include Lukasz Piszczeck, Dario Srna and Mattia De Sciglio for example.

If I were to choose one option from the list above, I would pick Juanfran, though he may be the hardest to tempt. The ideal situation would see Bacary Sagna stay for a couple more seasons, an eventuality that remains feasible, allowing Carl Jenkinson to hopefully develop into a top quality full-back.

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