Bacary Sagna reveals he is in talks over extending stay at Arsenal

The left-back has been strongly linked with a move away

Bacary Sagna (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has confirmed he is in talks to extend his contract, but the full-back has not ruled out a return to France for a “new challenge” in the future.

Sagna, 30, is entering into the final season of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, and so could become a free agent this time next year and agree a lucrative Bosman transfer.

Big-spending pair Paris St Germain and Monaco are said to be monitoring the situation, but former Auxerre defender Sagna, who has twice recovered from broken leg, hinted he would be happy to stay on at Arsenal if an agreement can be brokered.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Sagna said: "There are [talks], but I still haven't extended my contract.

"I am talking, and I am not at a bad club either."

When asked whether he could return to play in France, Sagna, who is currently on international duty, added: "It is possible.

"We would have to see in which conditions and, in sporting terms, what they propose. I won't go just anywhere.

"If I stay at Arsenal, I will try to have a good season, there's the World Cup at the end of it.

"If I am to leave, it will be a new challenge."

Swansea's Ashley Williams and Borussia Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek are two reported targets should Gunners boss Arsene Wenger decide to overhaul the rearguard again in the summer, with captain Thomas Vermaelen vowing to stay on and battle for his place in central defence while Laurent Koscielny has emerged as a target for Champions League winners Bayern Munich.

Wenger has some £100million with which to improve his squad for a long-overdue serious title challenge.

A large chuck of that warchest - to include both transfer fees and wages which will be freed up by off loading surplus squad men - is understood to be set aside for attacking reinforcements, with England striker Wayne Rooney, Swansea forward Michu and Real Madrid frontman Gonzalo Higuain all on Wenger's radar while a move for France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo is set to be completed shortly.

Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla proved a succesful addition last summer following his £16m move from Malaga.

The 28-year-old netted 12 goals and proved an integral player in Arsenal's fine end to the season which saw them secure a top-four finish and with it another shot at the Champions League, with a play-off set for August.

Cazorla was voted Arsenal supporters' player of the season and intends to take his game on again in the next campaign.

In an interview with the club's official website, http://www.arsenal.com, he said: "Next season I will try to perform as well as I have done this year, but also improve.

"I will be even more at ease, knowing my team-mates and enjoying the manager's confidence, and I will be more used to the team."

Cazorla feels Arsenal can take great confidence from an undefeated run after they beat Bayern Munich away to go on and win eight of their final 10 league games to overhaul north London rivals Tottenham.

"During the last few games the team played very well," he said.

"That is what we have to aim for next season, we need to be more consistent."

PA