Arsenal on the verge of signing Bakari Sagna, the best right-back in Ligue 1
Monday, 09 July 07, 05:18 PM
Well, after months and months of speculation, it looks like Arsenal are about to wrap up a deal for Auxerre and France right-back Bakari Sagna, for about £7-8 million.
It's a big fee for a player that many regards as a relative unknown, and I must confess that I don't know too much about him other than that he's very fast and athletic, and was the best right-back in France last year (and some even say he was the best right-sided player overall).
One thing is for certain - this makes things a bit confusing for the fans, with Eboue and Hoyte already in the side, and the promising Kerrea Gilbert there as well. Will Hleb be sold, and Eboue pushed up to the wing? Will Sagna be the new right-winger? Maybe Freddie is on his way? It will be interesting nonetheless, because this transfer seems certain to finally take place, and it's also the kind of transfer that indicates that one of our current players will be moving on.
It will be a pleasing signing, in some ways moreso than Eduardo da Silva, because Sagna is a really, really highly-rated player, but it won't satisfy the fans, because more than anything else, they are still crying out for a star (preferrably) a striker to come in.
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Gallas should shut his mouth. But Sagna is 5'7" and will never be a centreback, so he is not replacing Gallas. There have been people talking about Sagna covering at left-back, but that was just
speculation on one blog that spread around like wildfire - no one knows if he can cover at left-back or not, so it's wishful thinking. But he is not coming in to replace Gallas.
You're absolutely right SM. Bakari Sagna will not be a centre-back, end of story. I can only think of two reasons why Sagna would be joining Arsenal and they are (a) Eboue or Sagna will be pushed
forward into right midfield or (b) Justin Hoyte will be going out on loan. It just seems the strangest transfer rumour, and it is not one I'm particularly fussed on. Arsenal need a winger, not a wing
back. As for Gallas, he just needs to keep his thoughts within the club rather than throwing them out to be scrutinized by the media. I'm very disappointed with Gallas.
4 Comments
Maybe he could replace Gallas, as he started complaining about Henry's departure... LINK
I think arsenal are trying to lure the focus of the fans on the defence so that they can concentrate on buying a decent forward. If Sagna comes in tghough he would likley replace gallas as he is
complaining and standing out. Maybe Sagna could play in midfield too with Julio Baptista going back to Madrid, there might be some space left for Bakari