Sagna could join Chelsea or Spurs but Arsenal get Draxler boost... and which star may be swapped for Atletico hitman Costa?

  • Bacary Sagna may leave Arsenal for another Premier League club
  • Politics may help the Gunners sign Julian Draxler
  • Chelsea face a swap for Thibaut Coutois to land Diego Costa
  • Thomas Vermaelen could plug a defensive gap for David Moyes

By John Edwards

PUBLISHED: 07:42 EST, 24 March 2014 | UPDATED: 09:02 EST, 24 March 2014


There has been an intriguing fall-out from Inter Milan’s latest attempt to prise Bacary Sagna away from Arsenal, with suggestions in Italy that the experienced right-back may remain in the Barclays Premier League but not at The Emirates.

After tieing up the signing of Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic on a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, Inter have turned their attention to recruiting a full-back, central midfielder and striker in an effort to spark an overdue revival in their fortunes.

Sagna is their first choice to fill the full-back position, and Sportsmail understands a delegation from the San Siro visited London in the last few days for negotiations about a summer move.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch some of the transfer targets in action

Gunning for it: Bacary Sagna, battling Eden Hazard, may move to one of Arsenal's Premier League rivals

Gunning for it: Bacary Sagna, battling Eden Hazard, may move to one of Arsenal's Premier League rivals

Linking up: Inter have already snapped up Manchester United stalwart Nemanja Vidic for their new back-line

Linking up: Inter have already snapped up Manchester United stalwart Nemanja Vidic for their new back-line

They left disappointed, and the talk in Milan is that Sagna will either sign a new deal with Arsenal or join another Premier League club, with Chelsea and Tottenham being mentioned.

Galatasaray have not given up hope, but a source close to Inter said: ‘The impression that came out of the talks was that Sagna and his wife are settled in London and want to stay there.

He is hoping Arsenal come up with an acceptable offer, but there is interest from other Premier League clubs. We are hearing Chelsea and Tottenham.’ After securing Vidic’s signature, Inter have distanced themselves from claims they may move for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

Hands up: The right-back could yet stay at the Emirates and sign a new deal

Hands up: The right-back could yet stay at the Emirates and sign a new deal

 

Politics could play a part in Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Draxler after his club Schalke found themselves caught up in the escalating crisis over Russia’s military movements in Crimea.

While the rest of Europe condemns Russia’s involvement in eastern Ukraine and calls for tough sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime, Schalke’s top brass continue to enjoy a close relationship with the Russian president.

Controversy: Julian Draxler's (left), challenged by Nacho Fernandez, move to Arsenal could be boosted

Controversy: Julian Draxler's (left), challenged by Nacho Fernandez, move to Arsenal could be boosted

 

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The Bundesliga club have been sponsored by Gazprom since January, 2007 and wear the Russian government-backed gas company’s name across the front of their shirts, much to the dismay of not only Greenpeace activists but leading German politicians.

Increasingly, influential political figures in Germany are calling on Schalke to cut their ties with Gazprom, so far to no avail.

Schalke chairman Clemens Toennies admitted he has a direct line to Putin, and is on friendly terms with the Russian leader, but was adamant he will do all he can to resist pressure to end the partnership: ‘Are we still friends? I am not a politician, but he shows his interest in our club by always asking about our results whenever we speak. It is a good relationship.’

However, with little indication political tension is about to ease over Russia’s activities in Ukraine, pressure is likely to mount on Schalke to seek alternative means of funding.

It can only have a destabilising effect on the Bundesliga club and increase Arsenal’s prospects of convincing Draxler he would benefit from a fresh start, when they resume their efforts to sign him in the summer.

Postal service: The situation in Russia may have given Arsene Wenger greater hopes of signing Draxler

Postal service: The situation in Russia may have given Arsene Wenger greater hopes of signing Draxler

 

Fernando Torres is not Chelsea’s only bargaining tool in their attempts to pep up their attack next season with the summer acquisition of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

A return to his former club and spiritual home could be on the cards for Torres, but Atletico are much more likely to be swayed into sanctioning Costa’s departure for Stamford Bridge if Thibaut Courtois was included in the deal.

And it does appear ever more likely that Courtois would be happy to go along with it. Now in his third season on loan at Atletico, he is so enamoured with the lifestyle over there that he has been going out with a Madrid girl for the past 12 months and has even bought a house in the Spanish capital.

You blue-ty: Atletico Diego Costa is No 1 on Chelsea's strikers wanted list for the summer

You blue-ty: Atletico Diego Costa is No 1 on Chelsea's strikers wanted list for the summer

Between the sticks: Atletico want to sign keeper Thibaut Courtois on a permanent deal

Between the sticks: Atletico want to sign keeper Thibaut Courtois on a permanent deal

Chelsea have responded by offering him contract talks, but the outcome of those could hinge on his prospects of being installed as first choice ahead of Petr Cech.

Sportsmail understands the Belgian keeper may ask for a guarantee that he will start as number one next season before committing himself to a new improved deal.

If that proves a stumbling block, he knows he can count on just such an understanding at Atletico, where his place has never been in doubt. ‘My future is unclear, and I do need to sit down with Jose Mourinho and discuss it,’ he admitted.

In action: Fernando Torres could be in line for a return to his former club in return for Costa

In action: Fernando Torres could be in line for a return to his former club in return for Costa

 

With Nemanja Vidic bound for Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand possibly heading for retirement, Thomas Vermaelen could provide a short-term solution to Manchester United manager David Moyes’ defensive requirements after stalling over the offer of contract talks at Arsenal. 

Moyes is scouring the market for top-quality candidates who can serve United’s defence for years to come but may consider Vermaelen’s wealth of experience a useful addition to the ranks.

On the sidelines: Gunners defender Thomas Vermaelen could provide a short-term solution for David Moyes

On the sidelines: Gunners defender Thomas Vermaelen could provide a short-term solution for David Moyes

The Belgium defender, who can operate at centre-half or left-back, shares the same agent as Robin Van Persie and is a close friend of the United striker. Of even more interest to Moyes is the response Vermaelen gave to news that Arsenal are ready to begin discussions with him about renewing his agreement with them.

As he considered his lack of starting opportunities this season, due to the form of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, he said: ‘Now is not the time for talking about new contracts. We can speak after the season has finished. I did not expect to play as little as I have, but the two defenders in front of me have played well and maintained their fitness. I just have to accept that.’

Applause: Vermaelen could plug a gap in defence for Manchester United boss David Moyes

Applause: Vermaelen could plug a gap in defence for Manchester United boss David Moyes

 

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Errr who passed down the memo to add in the political point? Stick to reporting on football - related rumors hey? Rather than stirring the social commentary with vague anecdotes.

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Don't worry OILSEA fans i'm sure Roman and Jmuppet will spend another 100M to make sure you are safe next season oops forget to mention and probably buy every talent going to send out on loan this is the OILSEA way for the last 11 years buying success .Roman will fall

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The transfer culture has changed since since rvp and mata join another rival

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You are quite incorrect. Both of these players went to a club in decline and therefore not competitors.

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difficult to chose bettwen 2 best goalkeppers when theyre in same club

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Spurs? Very unlikely Arsenal will sell to their to a main rival.

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he would be a free transfer so arsenal would have no say where he went

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Chelsea? For what?

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No gooner player is good enough to play for the Chelsea team, especially Sagna, the way he defended (not) against us

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Latrine.

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Do they not get sky in Italy then ? , perhaps a sieve would be a better choice to shore up the inter back line

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No Goon players please, they are damaged goods

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Laughable. We've got the best right back in the league in Ivanovic, and he's a centre back by trade. Why the hell would we want Sagna?

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Lol. Thats the reason why the story is laughable. Plus we have (Dave) Aspiculietta, (sp) who is a natural right back so support. where is Sagna going to play at?

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