Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Bacary Sagna against leaving the Emirates Stadium, with the France international yet to agree a contract extension.
The 30-year-old, who signed from Auxerre in 2007, is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance for the Gunners against Liverpool on Saturday, but is out of contract at the end of the season.
Goal revealed that Serie A side Napoli are one of several teams monitoring Sagna’s situation, with the defender free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs
But Wenger remains determined to keep the full-back in north London and, with Arsenal challenging for multiple honours this season, is convinced Sagna should not leave.
“I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong,” said the French manager.
“He is fantastic, not only a great player, but a fantastic attitude.
“You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment, no matter where you play or against whom you play. That is a fantastic guarantee.”
Wenger did admit, however, that Arsenal are still far away from finding a breakthrough in contract discussions with Sagna, who is keen to explore his options.
“When I say I expect (Sagna to stay), it is more that I want it,” continued the Arsenal boss. “I hope that, in the end, I am right. We are not close at the moment.
“Because he is a defender, we are ready to give him more than one year.
“It is an important contract for him. He is 31 years old (this month) and I can understand. He wants to keep his options open.
“I am not all right with that because I would like him to sign just now, but I have to accept it. It is his freedom, the decision belongs to him.”
Written by Steve Milne
