Some of the biggest sides in the Premier League, as well as some superstar European clubs, are believed to be readying offers for 30 year-old fullback Bacary Sagna.
Sagna’s contract with Arsenal finishes in the summer and there is yet to be a solution for the Frenchman, adding to the uncertainty of his future.
He has been at Arsenal since 2007 and has made the PFA Premier League Team of the Year twice.
Local Interest
Nearby rivals Chelsea are said to be preparing a shock bid for Sagna in an attempt to resolve their fullback problem.
They are currently employing centre-half Branislav Ivanovic as a right back, so he would have more of a chance of making the starting eleven under Jose Mourinho for Chelsea than he would at his next supposed suitors, Manchester City.
City have Pablo Zabaleta in fine form in Sagna’s right-back position, and the Argentine is unlikely to be shifted after making the Official Premier League Team of the Year last season.
Across the Continent
Numerous reports have also claimed that up to SEVEN top teams from across Europe will also fight it out for Bacary’s signature, with Inter Milan fancied as the frontrunners in the chase, as they look to pair him up with current Man United wantaway Nemanja Vidic.
Galatasaray are also in the chase as they eye up John Terry too.
It is little wonder that Sagna is in such high demand, having played consistently for Arsenal in the 7 seasons at the club. He’s made at least 29 appearances in every season he’s been at the North London club, scoring 5 goals and creating 22 in his time at the back.
Notching up 266 games, and making his 200th League appearance in the forgettable game at Anfield this weekend, replacing Sagna could take some time.
Carl Jenkinson could be the short term answer however moves for defensive reinforcements in the form of Barcelona’s Marc Bartra and Feyenoord’s Daryl Janmaat have been rumours.
News that Sagna HAS been offered a new contract, but has rejected signing a new 2-year deal worth £60,000-a-week (matching his current salary). The dispute was said to be caused over Sagna qualms over not being offered a new deal sooner, and has deemed himself surplus to requirements.
It comes in a week where Lukasz Fabianski has too rejected a new deal, with the goalkeeper searching for first team action and no doubt taking inspiration from former Arsenal number 3 Vito Mannone, who is in fine form for new club Sunderland.
Both players now look certain to leave for nothing in the summer.
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