Arsenal are facing an uphill task in keeping French right back Bacary Sagna at the club after the end of the season, as per reports from Daily Mail.
Sagna’s contract will expire at the end of the season and it is understood that Arsenal want to open talks over a new contract. But, it is increasingly likely that the 30-year-old will be leaving the Emirates at the end of the season after he privately acknowledged that this will be his final season at the North London club.
Last year, the club was willing to offer him just a 12 month extension on the same wage, i.e. around £60,000-per-week, which the defender felt disrespected by, given the loyalty he showed to the club ever since he joined.
Now, Arsenal cannot afford to lose him. They must not. For two major reasons:
Financial – There is a risk of losing a player of Sagna’s caliber for free. At 30, he is still a good enough player to leave the club on a free transfer. He has been an epitome of loyalty for Arsenal and therefore he should be given the opportunity to represent the club much longer.
Experience & Quality – Sagna brings the much needed experience to this Arsenal side. The Frenchman has been terrific this season before he got injured with a hamstring problem and based on his performances solely, he deserves a new contract. Plus, Jenkinson is probably not yet ready to take up the starting place week-in-week-out.
One of the best thing about this squad of Arsene Wenger is it has the perfect blend of youth and experience, which is so important for any side challenging for honours. At one hand there are young players like Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil et al, while there are senior pros like Sagna, Arteta, Flamini too. To have player-cum-leader, who is a symbol of great consistency, like him in the dressing room is also necessary.
Should Sagna be given a new contract at Arsenal?
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