The January transfer window is fast approaching and with Arsenal yet to secure Bacary Sagna to a new contract; Wenger may look to bring in a replacement for the Frenchman. Although Wenger isn’t exactly spoilt for choice in transfer market when it comes to right-back’s, there are some players who he may look to pursue.
The first of these players would be in-form Everton right back Seamus Coleman. Coleman has been enjoying a great spelt at Everton recently and has shown that he can perform consistently at the highest level, thus catching the eye of monsieur Wenger. It has been reported that Wenger admires Coleman’s skills and non-stop running, but would still rather keep Sagna than splash out on a replacement. Coleman is now an Everton regular and recently signed a long-term contract, so his price could be as high as £10million. Wenger is still cautious with the cash and giving Sagna, 30, a new deal may be better value than paying for Coleman.
Another option for Arsenal could be AC Milan’s young right-back Mattia de Sciglio. The 21 year-old has impressed so far in his appearances this season despite AC Milan underperforming in Serie A. De Sciglio is a player who has come through the youth system at Milan. At the start of the 2011/12 season De Sciglio was officially included in the first team squad by head coach Massamiliano Allgeri. De Sciglio has even been compared to some legendary players including the likes of Paolo Maldini and Cafu. In short De Sciglio is everything that Wenger seems to admire in a player, he is young, has lots of potential and also has the confidence that would be required to slot into the Arsenal team next season.
As I have already said there aren’t bundles of choice for Arsene Wenger to find a suitable replacement for Bacary Sagna, should he decide not to sign a new contract. However, the two players above are both realistic and suitable transfer targets, that if signed would be more than likely to fit easily into the right-back role at Arsenal and perform to the same consistent level that Sagna has done, or possibly even better it.