Out of contract at Arsenal next month, Bacary Sagna’s future has been up in the air for quite some time as his contract negotiations hit a snag with the Gunners.
Now, it seems to be sorted.
Sagna, 31, confirmed to French newspaper L’Equipe that he will not be at the Emirates Stadium next season as he moves on from Arsenal after seven seasons in North London.
Manchester City are said to be courting Sagna and offering him a big pay rise from what he could expect at Arsenal, although Sagna didn’t confirm his next destination.
Currently away preparing for the 2014 World Cup with the French national team, this is what Sagna had to say.
“It’s no longer a secret, I will leave Arsenal for sure. They tried to make an effort, but the discussions have not gone in the direction I wished it. There are a lot of calls, a lot of speculation. Frankly, it gives headaches. I’ll sort it all out before the start of the World Cup.”
An experienced right back who is thought to be demanding way in excess of $150,000 per week, only a handful of clubs across Europe could snap up Sagna on a free transfer. City are the favorites but don’t rule out a move away from the Premier League for the powerful French full back.
This may be the perfect time for Sagna to leave, as his lifted a trophy for the first time in his Arsenal career at the end of last season when they clinched the FA Cup at Wembley. He will go out on a high.
Will Arsenal miss him? Of course. However they do have England international Carl Jenkinson who has developed into a solid and dependable right back (especially during the 2012-13 season when he deputized for Sagna during the Frenchman’s spell on the sidelines through injury) that is versatile and is improving all the time. The 22-year-old is likely to be given a starting role next season rather than Arsene Wenger spending money on a direct replacement for Sagna.
This news has been coming, so it was better for Sagna to try and get things sorted out before he jets off to Brazil for the summer.
