Since the end of the transfer window, a number of big name players across Europe have expressed their restlessness at their current clubs. The latest of these player is Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna.
Sagna has revealed he is worried about what is happening at the Emirates, following the departure of Alex Song. He now expects the club to sell players every summer as he has seen this happen throughout his time in north London.
The 29-year-old full-back, who is nearing a return from injury after suffering a broken leg at the end of last season, has spoken to the French press about Arsenal – and he appears far from impressed.
In an interview that is sure to worry many Arsenal fans, Sagna admitted to l’Equipe: “I expected the departure of Robin van Persie. We all expected it. It was ‘obvious’.
“But the Alex one, it was a surprise! He is 24 years old, he has three years remaining on his contract. I still do not understand. It is huge loss for the club.
“When you see the two best players of last season leave, you have a lot of questions. Sometimes in the street the fans talk to me. I can understand they are upset. I am just like them, I don’t understand everything.
“At Arsenal you come back after holidays, you make preparations, and you see two players leave and the season resumes – it has been like that since I have been at the club. I am used to it now.
“I am the last player from the 2007 starting XI remaining. In May, I watched Manchester City show off. I watched at Samir and Gael lifting the trophy.
“That gave me desire for it. Were they right to leave? Yes. But when they left, we didn’t know.”
Sagna also admitted he is yet to speak to the club about a new contract.
“My own situation? At the end of the season, I will have one year remaining,” he said, insisting that nobody from the club has been in touch.
“Has the club contacted me about an extension? No, no one.”
He even refused to rule out the prospect of leaving, adding: “Could I be tempted to leave? I just want to play again and be good again with Arsenal so far.
I’m sure Arsenal fans would be sad to see him go. But the stats suggest he isn’t as important to the team as first thought.
Since August 2009 Arsenal have won 48.8% of their Premier League matches with Sagna starting, compared to 69.7% (23 out of 33) without him.
The statistics obviously don’t tell the whole story, but they offer some comfort for the Gunners supporters.
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