Report: Bacary Sagna To Stay

According to John Cross at the Mirror, Bacary Sagna is set to stay at Arsenal despite the apparent inevitability of his departure because of contract negotiations stalling. PSG had been rumoured to be interested in the 30-year old right back, and with the Frenchman not enjoying a great season, it had been thought that Arsenal were ready to move on. That is not the case according to the article; Arsenal are still hopeful that a 1-year deal could be signed, though Sagna would like a 2-year extension. Either way, it seems Arsenal are going to keep Sagna, which makes sense.

Carl Jenkinson may have come on leaps and bounds this season, but he has been liable for some bad performances, notably at home to Swansea in the league and away at Sunderland where he was sent off after committing two bookable offences when trying to stop Stephane Sessagnon get past him. There are still weaknesses in Jenkinson's game, weaknesses that could become more apparent if he were to start every game. Furthermore, the next right back is Hector Bellerin, who despite being very highly rated, hasn't appeared in a first team game.

Even if Sagna doesn't sign a new contract, keeping him seems like a smart decision. Arsenal won't get that much money for him, especially when one considers his age, contract status and the two leg breaks he had in the 2011-12 season. He's had some bad performances this season, but he's also had some very good ones, and will allow Jenkinson and Bellerin to improve without having to cope with the pressure of starting every game. And with Arsenal having much more noticeable weaknesses in the midfield, attack and at centre back, it's nice to know they wouldn't have to worry about right back.