3 Potential Replacements For Bacary Sagna at Arsenal

After a voluminous amount of speculation and rumours, Bacary Sagna has finally agreed terms with Manchester City over a move to the Etihad whichwill consequently end his 7 year association with Arsenal. The French international hasagreeda 3 year deal which will reportedly fetch him100,000 pounds per week.His contractual dispute had become the talk of the town with the player himself stating that the hype surrounding his inadequacy to reach an agreement with Arsenal regarding his future is affecting hispersonal form. Arsenal has had a history of beingpowerlesswhen it comes to retainingtheir star players, namely Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and now Bacary Sagna. His departure means that Arsenal have the inexperienced Carl Jenkinson as the only remaining option to play at right-back.However, it has been reported by various British tabloids thatWenger is now on the lookout for a replacement for Sagna and is willing to splurge the money in order to secure the best deal which will end Arsenals woes. Quite a few names have come up as potential replacements for the former Auxerre right-back and here we evaluate who fits the bill, the best.

#1 Serge Aurier

The Toulouse right-back has been touted as Wenger’s number one option to replace Sagna and there are plenty of reasons to it too. First of all, it is his versatility which makes him a stand out choice – for Wenger and for us. Aurier can play at the heart of a defence, on the right and also operates as a right defensive midfielder. He is extremely well built, strong, athletic and a genuine tackler averaging 2.8 tackles per match. His concentration to opponents movements is commendable and he serves as an indirect set piece threat, sneaking a goal or two occasionally but causing a threat most of the times.

Being a right-back, the Ivorian loves to dribble his way to the opponent’s goal on the right flank and his crossing abilities are preposterous. Another impressive fact is the number of times he has been dribbled past – 0.3 times per match. He is the kind of player every team needs and he can deal with the physicality of the Premier League easily. He wins 90% of the aerial duels in which he indulges, another interesting fact which adds to his meritorious list of abilities. However, one weakness of his is his retention of the ball. He loses the ball way too many times which can prove dangerous.

He would be the ideal choice for Wenger with the player himself interested in making a switch to the Premier League.

#2 Mathieu Debuchy

The French international is currently with the French squad in Brazil and has managed to exhibit fantastic displays. It’s not only his form in the World Cup which makes Debuchy one of our picks to replace Sagna. His performances since joining Newcastle from Lille have just escalated and he hasn’t shown any trace of going downhill.

Debuchy is good in attack, excellent at tracking back and oozes confidence when taking on a player. The physical quotient of the Premier League has been handled very well by the former Lille right-back and he has adequate knowledge of plying his trade in the Premier League. He is absolutely impeccable in aerial duels and wins 3 out 4 aerial duels he indulges in; a rather interesting fact.

His crossing abilities are very good and he’s instrumental in supplying key passes at the right time. One thing which we think could affect a move is Debuchy’s undisciplined style of play. He commits various fouls, 1.2 fouls per match and isn’t very successful in holding onto the ball either. If his recent statements in an interview are anything to go by, then Wenger should be certain of landing his man.

He mentioned that he misses playing in the Champions league and wishes he can win one too. These definitely are encouraging signs for Arsenal and a move is on the cards if they eventually bid for him.

#3 Seamus Coleman

When it comes to defenders at Everton,its Leighton Baines who hogs all the possible limelight but his team-mate Seamus Coleman has been equally impressive if not more.The Northern Ireland full back has been a revelation for Roberto Martinez’s side this year and has earned a lot of plaudits for his eye-catching performances.He is an absolute menace while going forward.He packs up some blistering pace and stupendous control when tearing down that right flank,and,tracks back to keep his opponent in check equally well.His key passes to team-mates in tight situations is a very handy ability and one which is very rare too.Coleman manages 3.5 key passes per match,which is very good for a defender.His crossing ability has been the reason why Lukaku headed so many goals home.One very rare trait of Coleman is his blocking of an opponents shot.He has effectively managed 1.3 blocks per match which is a very impressive stat.Maturity oozes through his style of play which is evident in they way he tackles.Coleman never dives into any tackle,only 0.2 dives per tackle in a match.However,his weakness lies in his aerial ability.Coleman wins only 0.6 aerial duels in a match,quite underwhelming when you are playing in a wide position.Arsene Wenger will have to shell out more than he would be looking to,if he is to prise away the Everton star from the grasp of Martinez.