Arsenal star puts Manchester duo on red alert
Published:
Manchester United and rivals Manchester City could enter a bidding war for Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna after the Frenchman confirmed he will leave the Gunners this summer.
The right-back will be out of contract at the end of the season and has decided to seek a new challenge elsewhere after dubbing the north London club’s attempts to keep him as “disrespectful”.
A source close to the player told the Daily Star: “He will leave the club 100 per cent – there is no way he will stay.
“He feels very heartbroken, disgusted and disrespected by the board and the offers they are making, after being so loyal to the club for so many years.”
Arsenal are said to have offered the 31-year-old a two year extension to his deal and a £15,000 pay rise to £75,000 per week.
However, with United, City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Galatasaray all interested in acquiring his services Sagna believes he can get the £100,000+ wages and a signing-on fee he desires elsewhere.
The source added that while Sagna remains focused on helping Arsenal win the FA Cup – a feat priced at 2/7 with Ladbrokes – the trophy will only serve to end his seven-year Emirates stay on a high.
City appear to be favourites to the land Sagna with the path from the Emirates to the Etihad being well trodden by Frenchmen.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini will hope that the presence of former team mates Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy will convince Sagna to complete the same move.
However, with the Glazer family set to read the riot act to United’s underperforming stars this week the Red Devils could well be in line for right-back reinforcements.
Current first choice at Old Trafford Rafael has had a topsy-turvy season, dipping in and out of form and being sidelined through injury.
The lack of an established alternative at the club could well see the new manager given landing Sagna as his first official task.
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