Many consider him the best player in his position in the Premier League; others say the best in Europe. Bacary Sagna has become a regular feature in European football ever since his transfer to The Emirates in 2007 due to having one of the most incredible haircuts in football history.

Well, actually, it probably has something to do with his immense talent.

In his first season in an Arsenal shirt he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He again was in the team for his efforts during the 2010-2011 season and in my honest opinion he has been one of the most consistent performers in the whole Premier League since his arrival.

Many fans will also enjoy looking back to two years ago when Sagna helped inspire The Gunners to a famous 5-2 victory over their North London rivals. It was a crucial goal that came at a crucial time, as Arsenal seemed destined for defeat that would have lead to a massive dent in their Champions League hopes.

This season Sagna has proved to fans how important he is to the defence. Despite having a fairly poor 2012/2013 season, Sagna has regained his form that has lead to the majority of fans pleading for the club to offer Sagna whatever contract extension he demands.

His current contract is due to expire this summer.

It might be time to look elsewhere

Yesterday the club announced Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey have signed new contracts. Earlier in the month Tomas Rosicky put pen to paper and even more importantly, Per Mertesacker agreed to stay at Arsenal.

There is now a feeling amongst the fans that Sagna has failed to agree terms for his own contract extension and that he is now destined to leave the club after 7 years service.

It is difficult to pinpoint why Sagna would be willing to leave especially when the club has turned a corner in their pursuit of silverware. Sagna has had to suffer through this baron spell of trophies just like the rest of us, but he stuck it out.

He was publicly upset about the clubs handling of van Persie’s transfer to Manchester United, but this season the club has moved on from his departure.

At 31 years old, Sagna’s best years are behind him and Wenger will know this. Perhaps Wenger is unwilling to offer an aging player a lucrative deal, which would be no surprise. However, to replace Sagna with similar quality would mean splashing unnecessary cash.

Sagna is probably looking for one last big contract before he thinks about retiring. Rumours are circling that clubs like PSG, Monaco, Inter Milan and Liverpool are looking at signing the French international.

Losing a player of Sagna’s quality and versatility to a league rival would be a bitter pill to swallow after his loyal service to the club, which is why I cannot see him playing for another English club.

Replacement

So, if Sagna is destined to leave, which I think he will, then the priority in the summer is to find a suitable replacement. Carl Jenkinson is nowhere near ready enough to start so Wenger will need a quality replacement that can fit into the squad instantly. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. Lukasz Piszczek – The Pole is a regular starter in Klopp’s Dortmund side that made it to the Champions League final last year. He is considered as one of the best full backs in the world and at 28 years old he has vast experience. He is use to playing a similar style to Arsenal and would be the ideal, natural replacement for Sagna.

2. Seamus Coleman – The Republic of Ireland international has earned interest from many top Premier League sides after his outstanding and consistent performances this season for Everton. However, Roberto Martinez is determined to keep Coleman at Goodison Park and is ready to offer him a greatly improved contract. Coleman is still reasonably young and has his best years ahead of him and would be a fantastic addition to Wenger’s British core of players.

3. Micah Richards – How this man has not got more England caps is beyond me. Who has he annoyed? Micah Richards is an incredibly talented defender who can also play centrally. His power and speed is a nightmare for attackers and defenders. He has suffered from some long-term injuries in recent seasons and has lost his place in the Manchester City side and may look elsewhere to get regular first team football. However, his loyalty to his boyhood club could prove a difficult hurdle to get over for Wenger.

4. Gregory van der Wiel – With the rumours that Sagna could be heading to Paris, it would be sensible for Wenger to try and buy PSG’s current first choice right back. Van der Wiel is popular with Dutch fans and would be a good fit in the squad.

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