Bacary Sagna reckons Robin van Persie will stay at Arsenal - and says Yann M’Vila would be a perfect new signing.
Van Persie has become a big-money target for Manchester City as Arsenal desperately try to keep their prize asset.
But Sagna believes the Holland striker’s love for Arsenal will prove too strong and that Rennes midfielder M’Vila can help persuade him to stay. France full- back Sagna, currently recovering from his second broken leg of the season, said: “I’m confident Robin will stay. He was a complete professional from the beginning until the end and helped us into third.
“We want to keep him. Everyone is so grateful to him for what he’s done for the club and how important he is.
“He is our captain and he takes his role and responsibilities very seriously. He gives everything as a player and captain.”
Van Persie wants Arsenal to show ambition and win trophies and Sagna is convinced the right buys this summer can help them be genuine contenders next season.
Sagna said: “We want more players to come to the team. Lukas Podolski has arrived already and he is a German international and a quality player.
“M’Vila can make a great impact. I’m not sure about his English but it took me time to learn. But I think he would suit us as well. Arsenal is a French-speaking team and it will help him settle.
“I think we can be contenders this coming season. We showed a lot of people what we could do last season.
“Last summer, people were talking about Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leaving. It was a difficult season in the Premier League and, for all football fans, it has been a crazy, crazy season. It was difficult for us but we kept fighting. I think it shows we can be strong contenders next season.
“This season has given us great belief for the season coming. Arsene Wenger has always given us the belief and confidence and made the decisions to help us through.
“If we had not had so many injuries then I think we would have gone closer to winning trophies this season.”
It has been a frustrating campaign for Sagna after suffering two broken legs, the second costing him a place at the Euros.
Sagna first suffered the injury at Tottenham in October than a similar fate in the penultimate game against Norwich.
“It’s the same leg, same break, I’ve already got a metal plate but this time it should be much quicker as the injury does not involve my ankle like before,” said Sagna.
“It is making progress and everyone at the club is helping me through. I’m out of plaster, been in a boot and will see the specialist before I go on holiday.
“I was devastated to miss the Euros - especially missing the England game - but I will be back for Arsenal. I hope to be back for the start of the season but I don’t want to set a timescale.”
Sagna is taking part in a new TV show on Sky’s Channel 460 to give football fans an insight into the lives of Premier League stars.
He enjoys being on Twitter and says it is vital to interact with Arsenal fans and is looking forward to the new-look fly-on-the-wall style documentary.
Sagna added: “When I was young, I wish I could have had a look at how my idols lived their lives and hopefully fans can see some of us at home, in training and a look at our lives.
“I enjoy being on Twitter and getting to know fans. They can see me walk through the house - although I’ve been limping and on crutches - and it’s fun.
“I feel a real connection with the Arsenal fans. They have helped me so much with my injuries and supported me. If I can help repay them in any way that would make me happy.”
*TRACE Sports UK has teamed up with Bacary Sagna to launch the first channel dedicated to the lives of sports celebrities. Watch on SKY Channel 460.
Source : Mirror.co.uk
