Rumour: Manchester United manager in waiting Louis van Gaal wants to make Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna his first signing

Bacary Sagna

According to the the Mail Online, Louis van Gaal will look to secure the services of wantaway right-back Bacary Sagna when he is confirmed as the next Manchester United manager, despite rumours that the Frenchman is close to sealing a move to rivals Manchester City.

The Arsenal stalwart has failed to agree renewed terms on his contract and is seeking a move away from the Emirates this summer.

Manchester City are widely reported to be the frontrunners to seal the 31-year-old’s signature, but the Mail Online believes that Sagna’s representatives have been in contact with senior figures at the Red Devils.

While Chris Smalling and Phil Jones can deputise if necessary, Rafael is the only recognised right-back at United, so Sagna would be a savvy, and relatively cheap, acquisition. In saying that, the veteran defender is no spring chicken and is demanding a salary of £100,000-a-week, so the hierarchy at United might favour a cheaper alternative.

At Manchester City, Sagna would face fierce competition for a starting spot with the incumbent right-back, Pablo Zabaleta, widely regarded as the Premier League’s best.

Bacary Sagna committed only one defensive error last season.