Arsenal star courting ‘speculation’: is it time for him to go?

One of Arsenal’s most enigmatic characters this season has been right-back Bacary Sagna. He was once labelled ‘Mr Consistency’. Nowadays, however, nobody has any idea which Sagna will turn up.

Could it be the one who helped 10-man Arsenal to hold on for a hard-fought victory against Sunderland? Or the one who made two massive errors in the build up to Robin Van Persie’s recent equaliser at the Emirates?

One game he can look completely out of his depth and the next he can look fired up and effective. If Arsene Wenger has somebody more experienced to call upon than young Carl Jenkinson, I’m sure Sagna’s place in the first team would be under serious threat.

The reason for his decline in form? The French full-back suffered not one, but two serious leg-breaks last season. That’s pretty bad luck and if any thing, it’s surprising it hasn’t had a worse effect on his career.

It’s difficult enough to come back from a long-term injury, but to have to do it twice? Unthinkable.

Sagna is now 30-years-old. He’s not as fast, or energetic as he used to be. We haven’t seen him bombing up and down the flanks this season. He’s had to favour caution where ever possible. This, I think, has caused problems for Arsenal.

Wenger hasn’t been able to rely on his ‘flying full-back’, because Sagna’s feet have been locked firmly to the ground. I think we need to accept that the best years of Bacary’s career are behind him.

And now, The Mirror have picked up some quotes where the Frenchman talks about his future: “Of course it makes me proud to read PSG are interested. They are a very attractive club. Personally I’ve not been approached by PSG. I don’t know if they have contacted my agent or if these are rumours. At Arsenal, in the dressing room they tease me every day telling me I will leave to play at PSG, but it is speculation. I don’t know what is going to happen.”

Oh boy, the Arsenal dressing room sounds like a fun place to be doesn’t it?

With all the speculation surrounding his future, my feeling is this: it’s time for him to move on. I wouldn’t begrudge him getting a nice pay-rise at PSG. But Arsenal need a right-back with pace, power, presence and energy. I’m not sure Sagna can offer this anymore.

I’ll be sorry to see him go, but maybe the time is right.

What’s your take? Is it time for Bacary Sagna to move on?

Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.