Wenger Claims Sagna ‘Not Close’ To Agreeing New Deal As Inter Milan Hold Talks

The January transfer window may have slammed shut but clubs will still be working hard behind the scenes at identifying targets for the summer, so we’ll bring you all the latest news, gossip and rumours. Today, Gooner Mac brings us the latest on Bacary Sagna’s future.

Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions that Bacary Sagna is close to signing a contract extension at Arsenal with reports claiming the right-back has now opened talks with Inter Milan over a move to Italy.

Sagna’s future has been in serious doubt for months as talks over a new deal continue to drag, but Sky Italia had reported this morning that the defender has moved a step closer to agreeing an extension at the Emirates.

However, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, when quizzed by reporters about those reports Wenger insisted the French international was no nearer to committing his future to the club.

Wenger on Sagna: "No, he is not close to signing [a new deal]. It is an ongoing process." http://t.co/V0VsBKP2F2 #AFCvLFC

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 14, 2014

Wenger’s denial comes as the Metro are claiming that Inter Milan have now opened talks with Sagna’s agent about a move to the San Siro this summer with the Italians hoping a three-year deal worth in excess of £100,000-a-week will be enough to persuade the experienced defender to make the move to Serie A.

The newspaper suggest that Sagna’s talks with Arsenal are still ‘going well’ and he’s due to hold further negotiations with the club later this month, but the longer this goes on the more I feel he’ll be leaving.

We typically only offer players over 30 one-year extensions and with Sagna turning 31 today, I just can’t see Arsenal being prepared to match the other offers he has on the table.  This will be his last big contract so you wouldn’t blame him for going with the deal that offers him the best financial package.

But let’s stay hopeful as Sagna has been a hugely important player for us and it would be disappointing to see him go. Wenger will have a tough job replacing him as well, so fingers crossed we can come to an agreement soon.

Do you think Sagna will stay? Share your views below.