According to latest reports, Arsenal are emerging as shocking favourites to bring back Manchester City reject Bacary Sagna, which is according to Bookmakers BetStars. The 34-year-old French international is currently priced at 3/1 to head back to his first club in England.
BetStars director Ian Marmion said, “Arsenal are 3/1 contenders to snap up 34-year-old Bacary Sagna, who is currently a free agent after being released by Manchester City.”
And at a slight glance, the North London club could be seen in a dire crisis on their right defensive flank, as Hector Bellerin is the only natural option available at the moment with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gone to Liverpool. Despite including Mathieu Debuchy in the 25-man squad, the manager clearly doesn’t trust him anymore.
The Gunners have also sent patchy Carl Jenkinson on loan to Championship side Birmingham City, whose underconfident displays last season had almost given Arsene Wenger a heart attack. Hence, a move for free agent Sagna seems quite logical with the full back fully acquainted with Arsenal’s style of play.
Sagna had left Arsenal from Manchester City only three years back after breaking their barren run of silverwares as Arsenal had overcome Hull City in the FA Cup final. And before the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium last season, Sagna was quite a regular at that side too with Pablo Zabaleta losing his place.
He made 83 appearances over three seasons before Guardiola’s fluid tactics last season meant playing either defensive midfielder Fernandinho in that position or winger Jesus Navas. Sagna, Navas and Zabaleta were all released at the season end with Danilo arriving from Real Madrid to take the place.
Despite age catching up to him now, Sagna’s experience is undeniable. The academy product of FC Sens came up through the ranks of French second-tier side AJ Auxerre before Arsene Wenger brought him in 2007, and he has since then played 285 times for the Gunners.
Wenger cannot keep this option out of consideration for sure although the manager has reiterated that Chamberlain’s exit means the likes of Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock will get a chance up top.
Even if they manage to make a move for Sagna, they will have to compete with some decent clubs on the way, who have shown equally keen interest in him.
Serie A side Torino could be a luring option for Sagna, who are yet to replace Davide Zappacosta following his deadline day switch to Chelsea. Apart from them, Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United all remain interested in him too with the Eagles reportedly even leaving young goalkeeper Kleton Perntreou to make up space for Sagna. So can Wenger lure him to the Emirates?
