Bacary Sagna

Bacary Sagna - Classy Footballer

France national team coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of the World Cup after damaging his Achilles tendon during the 1-0 Europa League defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. The 32-year-old suffered the injury during the opening exchanges of the game and Arsene Wenger thereafter suggested that the problem was rather serious.

Deschamps has now come forward to confirm the defender’s long-term injury which is expected to sideline him for the summer World Cup in Russia, he said: “It’s a very big blow for the French team.An injury never comes at the right time. I am really very sad for Laurent because this World Cup was also a very important moment for him in his career.I wish him strength and a good return to the field, because I’m sure he still has some great things to show.”

Juventus chief Beppe Marotta believes the Serie A no longer relies on playing Italians through the squad. The Serie A has not witnessed a match with solely Italian players since the Empoli-Sampdoria clash in 2008, and Marotta was quick to highlight the globalisation of the sport, in an interview with La Stampa.

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has heaped praised on Arsene Wenger during a recent interview with Sky Italia. The France international was in conversation with reputed journalist Gianluca di Marzio, where he talked up his time under the Gunners boss. He said: “Wenger is a great manager who deserves the best. In France, we have great respect for him: it was always a pleasure to play for him and for Arsenal. Guilherme? He resembles Messi with his left foot, he’s a significant player”.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has revealed that he had been discussions with Crystal Palace and West Ham United prior to penning a contract with Serie A strugglers Benevento. The 35-year-old had been keen on a return to the English capital following his release from the Citizens last summer.

Crystal Palace manager boss Roy Hodgson has stressed that Wilfried Zaha will remain at Selhurst Park for the season despite the ongoing link with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. The Ivory Coast international has been in sublime touch for the Eagles since returning from injury from October, and his form has coincided with his side's climb in the Premier League table.

Speaking after Palace's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, Hodgson admitted that Zaha would not be sold during the winter transfer window as he already has assurances from the club's hierarchy. Meanwhile, the former England boss also insisted that he may look to bolster his squad further in the transfer market.

Many have been left wondering that former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has been unable to secure a move to any club since leaving the latter on a free transfer. The 34-year-old defender left City at the end of the last season after his contract came to an end. He had been with Manchester City for the last few years, after joining Arsenal more than a decade ago. Since he has become one of the key Premier league defenders over the last decade, the 34-year-old was expected to secure a quick to move to another Premier league or French Ligue 1 club.

However, it has not happened and Sagna still remains as a free agent. No club has been able to sign him up due to several concerns like wages and fitness. The 34-year-old has dismissed rumours that he is set to announce his retirement. He claims that he is keeping himself fit and as competitive in order to be attractive to his next club. Sagna is confident that he will be able to figure a move to another club before the end of the January transfer window. At 34 years of age, he may not have a long time left in the game, but there is a significant possibility that he will be much more attractive given his experience and the lack of a transfer fee.

Arsenal legend-turned-pundit Paul Merson has urged Jack Wilshere to pursue a fresh challenge in the New Year in order to improve his chances of making England's World Cup squad next summer. The 25-year-old was excluded from the latest Three Lions squad by Gareth Southgate, who cited the midfielder's limited game time as the prime reason.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson feels Wilshere should move from the Emirates in January as he is unlikely to gain regular playing time in north London. Southgate recently rewarded maiden England call-ups to the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jack Cork ahead of Wilshere, and this has provided signs that he should move on.

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has dismissed the prospect of signing former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna this month.

Recent reports suggested that the under-fire Hammers boss could turn to the veteran right-back, who could provide added experience to his squad. However, writing in his Standard Sport column, the Croatian has ruled out the club's chances by suggesting that there is no need to sign another right-back.

French defender Bacary Sagna has captured interest from the Premier League and abroad as he prepares to join a fresh club for the ongoing season.

According to The Mail, the veteran has been working alone over the summer and believes that his intense regime will put him in good stead to pursue a fresh club this month. Both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion have fielded interest in the Euro 2016 finalist, but the right-back is more likely to move abroad.

France international Bacary Sagna could make an instant return to the Premier League with Crystal Palace among the main admirers for his services.