Sagna close to reaching agreement on new Arsenal deal

The Frenchman has held positive fresh talks with the club over a contract extension as confidence grows at Emirates Stadium that he will reject offers from rival clubs
Bacary Sagna is close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal over a new contract, Goal understands.

Sagna’s representatives have held positive fresh talks with the club and the Gunners hierarchy believe they have made a breakthrough in their attempt to extend the player’s deal beyond this season.

The right-back is believed to be settled with his family in London and is increasingly likely to snub offers from Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Inter Milan to remain at Arsenal.

Goal reported last month that the Londoners had offered Sagna a two-year, €90,000-a-week contract that includes an option for a third year.

This falls short of Sagna’s €120,000-a-week demands but further inducements have subsequently been offered to keep one of Arsenal’s longest-serving players.

Arsene Wenger has been heavily involved in his fellow Frenchman’s contract talks despite the uncertainty over his own future beyond this season. 

Sagna, who turned 31 in February, can leave Emirates Stadium on a free in the summer and is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club.

However, there is growing confidence among the Arsenal hierarchy that 18 months of negotiations will result in a successful outcome for the club.

Wenger has always been keen to hold on to Sagna, who has been a key figure for Arsenal this season and offers experience and versatility that would not be easy to replace.

The Gunners have looked closely at replacement right-backs in the last year, with Frankfurt's Sebastian Jung currently top of their target list should Sagna decide to leave.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and City manager Manuel Pellegrini are also admirers of Sagna, who can operate in central defence as well as both full-back positions, and he is highly regarded in his native France.