• Premier League

Ball is in Sagna's court, says Wenger

ESPN staff
April 25, 2014
Arsene Wenger confirmed injured Jack Wilshere is on course to recover for the World Cup © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger has admitted he is powerless to prevent Bacary Sagna leaving Arsenal this summer, after confirming the club are no closer to securing agreement with the full-back over a new contract.

Sagna's current Arsenal deal expires this summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Wenger's update on Sagna's future suggested he is losing belief defender will extend his stay at Arsenal.

"At the moment, they [talk] are not progressing," Wenger said. "We know what we want from him. He knows what's on the table and that's where we are. The ball is not in our camp any more, it's in his camp and he has to come back to us."

Wenger would not be drawn on his ambitions to sign French striker Loic Remy, who will be available this summer when his loan spell with Newcastle expires.

Remy has impressed during his season with Alan Pardew's side and ahead of his clash with Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Monday, Wenger claimed he was not focused on transfer targets, but making sure Arsenal finish the season strongly in their battle with Everton for a top four finish.

"He's a good striker. Look at the moment, we are focused on our end of season, not of transfers," is all Wenger would offer on the subject.

Wenger went on to confirm midfielder Abou Diaby suffered 'a small groin problem' after he played 45 minutes of his comeback game for Arsenal's under-21 side earlier this week, but he offered more upbeat news on the fitness of Jack Wilshere.

The England midfielder is on course to recover in time to be available for next summer's World Cup finals, with Wenger content with his progress as he recovered from a cracked bone in his foot.

"Jack is progressing well," Wenger said. "He's still on course to be in our team for the last couple of games."

Wenger reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Newcastle game on Monday, with Thomas Vermaelen likely to return after his recent injury problems.

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