It’s beginning to look more and more like Arsenal’s first choice left-back, Bacary Sagna, will leave the club in the summer. His contract is set to expire at the end of the season and there’s been very little evidence to suggest that he’ll sign a new one.
Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey both just committed their long-term futures to the club, but Bacary Sagna doesn’t seem overly keen to follow in his footsteps. Of course, the Frenchman’s situation is different. At 31-years-old, his next footballing contract is likely to be the last he ever signs. If he’s eyeing a mammoth pay-rise elsewhere, it’s hard to blame him.
He’s a player who has never hidden, even when he suffered two leg-breaks in quick succession. After years of excellent service for Arsenal, a new challenge could be just the ticket. If the Gunners aren’t prepared to offer him what he feels he’s worth, then that’s their loss.
But it does beg the question: how do Arsenal go about replacing Sagna?
According to The Mirror, Arsene Wenger will head to Lique 1 to find a solution (hardly a great surprise, eh?). They suggest that Arsenal are lining up a move for Toulouse’s prodigious full-back, Serge Aurier.
Despite being just 21-years-old, Aurier has already earned 7 caps for the Ivory Coast and has been making some waves in the French League.
He’s known for his energetic, athletic performances as he bombs up and down the flanks, providing cover when necessary and supporting the attack whenever the opportunity arises.
Whilst he needs to work on his crossing ability, I’d argue that he would offer this Arsenal side plenty of attacking flair. His five goals this season should account for this.
With Carl Jenkinson making his way through the ranks at the Emirates, signing another youngster could be a smart move. Arsene Wenger won’t want to remove Jenkinson’s route to the first team, after all.
The Mirror suggest that Aurier could cost The Gunners as little as £6m. If he develops into a truly world-class full back, this could prove to be another Arsene Wenger bargain.
What’s your take? Is Aurier the right choice for Arsenal? Should they pick a more experienced option?