Arsenal "not far" from new deal for Bacary Sagna: Arsene Wenger

Bacary Sagna

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that right back Bacary Sagna will sign a new contract at the club, and insists that he does not think that the Frenchman’s contract situation will distract him from the club’s title challenge.

Sagna has six months remaining on his contract, meaning that he can now sign a pre contract agreement with a foreign side. However Wenger told Sky Sports that he remains optimistic that Sagna will stay and that he will remain professional through the negotiations.

Sagna has been linked with a move back to France, with both Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco interested in the full back, but Wenger says that negotiations between Sagna and Arsenal are close to conclusion.

“We are not far,” he said. “I will push very hard to get it done.”

Wenger continued by backing Sagna to stay focused. He admitted that there is a chance of Sagna signing a pre contract agreement elsewhere, but Wenger believes that he will remain committed to Arsenal’s title challenge until the end of his contract.

“We cannot stop him from doing that [signing a pre-contract agreement to leave],” said Wenger.

“But for me, that is not a problem because when you are a professional football player, you do until the last day, of where you are, your best. If you don’t do that, you are not professional for me.

“I don’t question Sagna’s commitment until the last day of his contract.”

Sagna has won 61% of his duels this season, including 55 headed duels and 16 tackles.