Bacary Sagna Linked with Manchester City Move as Arsenal Contract Nears Expiry
As the end of the season approaches, Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna appears increasingly likely to leave the Emirates Stadium, with Manchester City emerging as the leading contenders for his signature.
Sagna, 31, is out of contract in June and has yet to agree terms on a renewal with the Gunners, despite ongoing discussions. The Franco-Senegalese defender, who has spent seven seasons at Arsenal, has reportedly rejected multiple extension offers from the North London club, prompting speculation over his next destination.
While Italian side Inter Milan had previously shown strong interest in securing the experienced full-back, recent reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Manchester City are now at the front of the queue. City manager Manuel Pellegrini is believed to be keen to capitalise on Sagna’s contract uncertainty and bring him to the Etihad on a free transfer.
Should the move go through, Sagna would follow in the footsteps of former Arsenal teammate Gaël Clichy, who made the switch to City in 2011. With the opportunity to offer a lucrative salary package and a substantial signing bonus, the Premier League champions-in-waiting are seen as a compelling option for the veteran defender.
Sagna’s potential departure would mark the end of an era at Arsenal, where he has been a consistent performer since joining from Auxerre in 2007. While his future remains undecided for now, it appears increasingly likely that the France international will be wearing a different shirt next season.