Rumour: Arsenal to renew contract talks with Bacary Sagna

Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna (R)

Arsenal are set to re-open contract negotiations with Bacary Sagna this week in an attempt to resolve one of the game’s longest running contract sagas. Arsenal have been negotiating with Sagna for almost 18 months, but Goal.com report that they are optimistic of reaching a conclusion in the latest round of talks.

Arsenal had seemed set to sell Sagna when talks broke down last summer, but the right back has since become a key figure in the London club’s resurgence. He has made 17 league appearances for the Gunners this season, with the side storming to the top of the league.

The right back’s deal runs until the summer, meaning that he is currently free to sign a pre-contract agreement at another side. Contract negotiations were believed to have initially stalled over the length and wage of the potential contract, but Goal believe that the two sides are closer to agreement now.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is believed to have extensively scouted potential replacements for Sagna, before deciding that none provide a better option than the Frenchman. Both PSG and Monaco had been linked with moves for Sagna, but he is rumoured to be keen on extending his stay at the Emirates. Sagna joined the club in 2007 and has since gone on to make 195 appearances for the club.

Sagna has won 58 headed duels this season, second amongst Premier League full backs behind Branislav Ivanovic