Boss keen to keen France international.
Check in to Arsenal vs Manchester United
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has spelled out his desire to keep hold of in-form full-back Bacary Sagna beyond the end of the season, Sky Sports reports.
Read More Arsenal Transfer News
The 30-year-old is out of contract in June and has been tipped to make a return to France with both Monaco and Paris Saint Germain interested, but Wenger has said that he believes the player would be wrong to turn down the fresh extension on offer to him at the Emirates.
Asked if he thought Sagan would agree a new Arsenal deal, Wenger said: “When I say I expect (Sagna to stay), it is more that I want it.
“I hope that, in the end, I am right. We are not close at the moment.
“Because he is a defender, we are ready to give him more than one year.
“It is an important contract for him. He is 31 years old (this month) and I can understand. He wants to keep his options open.
“I am not all right with that because I would like him to sign just now, but I have to accept it. It is his freedom, the decision belongs to him.”
“I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong,” said Wenger.
“He is fantastic, not only a great player, but a fantastic attitude.
“You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment, no matter where you play or against whom you play. That is a fantastic guarantee.”
Sagna has been in fine form this season and has been offered a lucrative two-year deal, thus breaking his strict over-30s policy of only offering one year contracts.
Watch the top 10 best Arsenal goals of all time.
Check out the 10 worst Arsenal flops of the Premier League era.