Why Arsenal just can’t afford to let this man leave (yet!)

One of the most pleasing aspects of Arsenal’s season thus far has been the return to prominence of Bacary Sagna. The Bac is back!

In his younger days, Sagna was widely regarded as the Premier League’s best right back. He regularly made his way into the Premier League team of the Year and even earned the nickname, ‘Mr. Consistent’. Unsurprisingly, he was an Arsenal fan favourite and a player that stood out, even when things were going badly.

His stock plummeted when he suffered two leg breaks in relatively quick progression. The Frenchman can count himself as being extremely unlucky. The injuries had a major effect on his career, taking him out of the game for an extended period of time and sapping the potency out of his football.

Last year, Sagna often looked slow, sluggish and error-prone. I’m thinking specifically of the moment when he let Robin Van Persie (of all people) nab the ball of off him, before sliding in on the Dutchman and giving away a penalty.

But all he needed was time. This season, he seems to have got back to his best. He’s bombing up and down the right flank once more, defending resolutely and positioning himself well. I’d even argue that Sagna’s crossing has actually improved over the last couple of years. He and Olivier Giroud have a good connection, with Sagna seemingly knowing just how much whip he needs to add to his cross in order to find his fellow French international.

But here’s where we reach the bad news. Sagna’s Arsenal contract will run out at the end of the season, opening up the opportunity of him leaving on a free. This has led to a fair amount of speculation regarding his future, with The Mirror claiming that Galatasaray are willing to offer him a massive salary if he moves to Turkey.

That’s how they managed to get Wesley Sneijder. They’re a club that is willing to put their money where their mouth is. In Sagna’s case, it’s thought that they are willing to offer £4m a year, after tax. Wow!

Arsenal are going to find it hard to compete with that. But they can compete on another front.

Arsene Wenger is close to putting together a team that can challenge for silverware (I’d say he needs another striker and maybe another defender). The chance to win the Premier League must surely hold more appeal than a chance to walk to victory in the Turkish League?

Whilst neither Galatasaray, nor Arsenal look ready to challenge for the Champions League, Arsenal are surely the closer club of the two?

If Wenger wants to keep Sagna, there will be ways of spinning the situation that could win the Frenchman over. It will take time and it will take dedication, but it would be worth it. I just hope that the club doesn’t let this one slip.

What’s your take? How important is Bacary Sagna to Arsenal?

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