Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna has interest from Napoli, claims agent

Bacary Sagna during the match between Arsenal and Newcastle United in the Barclays Premier League at Emirates Stadium on April 28, 2014

Full-back Bacary Sagna’s agent has revealed that Serie A side Napoli have made an approach for his client’s services after he failed to agree a contract with Arsenal.

The Gunners were desperate to tie the Frenchman to a new deal, but several rounds of negotiations throughout the season failed to provide a compromise between the two parties.

Sagna, who is part of France’s World Cup squad, was reportedly keen to be given a three year contract and significant pay rise.

But even though manager Arsene Wenger went against his policy of offering players over the age of 30 one year extensions only, his compatriot has decide to leave north London in the search for a new challenge.

Given Sagna’s stature as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League he has had no shortage off offers since his decision to depart became well documented.

However, while Manchester City, who have signed a string of players from Arsenal in recent years including Samir Nasri, Emanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy, have been touted as his most likely destination it has now emerged Rafael Benitez is keen to entice the right-back to Italy.

Former Liverpool manager’s pursuit of Sagna proves that his transfer to the Premier League champions is far from a formality, but it would surely take a huge offer for the defender to turn his back on the chance to join Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Bacary Sagna's agent, asked about Napoli interest: "It 's true that we have been contacted, but he should sign with Manchester City."

— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) June 4, 2014