Bacary Sagna set to start for Arsenal in the FA Cup final despite contract dispute

Bacary Sagna

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that Bacary Sagna’s ongoing contract saga will not be a factor in his team selection for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Hull City, report the Express.

The 31-year-old full-back is yet to agree a contract extension following several rounds of negotiations and recently admitted that he is likely to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

However, although the Frenchman’s focus has been called into question before the Wembley showpiece event this weekend, Wenger is adamant that he will not hesitate to name the defender in his side as the north Londoners look to finally end their trophy drought.

“I told you many times. That’s exactly the same. The ball is in his camp and I can’t influence that.

“To be professional is to give your best until the last day of your contract and that’s a real professional.

“I don’t doubt his integrity, his desire to win and his commitment at all,” Wenger insisted.

Sagna has become an integral member of the Gunners’ back line since his move from Auxerre back in 2007 and his departure would be a huge blow given his influence on the team.

But with the right-back reportedly set to receive offers from a number of clubs, including Manchester City, his wage demands appear to have scuppered any chance of him staying put at the Emirates and his contribution against Steve Bruce’s side is likely to be his last in the red of Arsenal.

Bacary Sagna completed 45 tackles in the Premier League this season – more than any other Arsenal defender.