Wenger Gives Update On Sagna + Koscielny Contract Talks

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us quotes from Arsene Wenger on Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny’s future.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Bacary Sagna is no closer to signing a new deal at Arsenal but did reveal that Laurent Koscielny is on the verge of penning an extension at the club.

Sagna is out of contract this summer and has yet to agree a new contract despite holding several rounds of talks with the clubs hierarchy, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Galatasaray among the clubs understood to be ready to offer him a fresh start.

The boss has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and when quizzed for the latest on Sagna’s future, he told reporters that the French defender is no closer to signing a new deal and insists the club will have to accept it if the 32-year-old decides to leave.

“That is not close to be closed.

“I will have to accept it [Sagna leaving] because only he can decide that now.

“If he goes we will accept it and respond.” Wenger is quoted as saying by the Express.

It will be a real shame if Sagna does go, and it will be especially painful if he ends up joining another Premier League team. He’ll be an extremely difficult player to replace as he’s been one of our most consistent performers over the last few years, and the closer we get to the end of his current deal, the more it looks like he’ll be off.

However, there was some good news with Wenger also revealing that Laurent Koscielny is close to signing a contract extension. Reports yesterday claimed the centre-back had agreed a new five-year deal and although Arsene stopped short of confirming the exact details, he did reveal that the France international was close to committing his future to the club.

Wenger: "Koscielny is close to signing a new contract" http://t.co/xePyRihSXG #NCFCvAFC

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) May 8, 2014

With speculation linking Koscielny with a move away this summer, it’s great news to hear he’s close to penning a new deal. He’s struck up an excellent partnership with Per Mertesacker and it was important we didn’t break up that pairing heading into next season.