Auxerre's Sagna signs for Arsenal

Arsenal have signed Auxerre defender Bacary Sagna for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old, who was in the last France squad but is uncapped, has signed a long-term deal and said: "It is great to be joining Arsenal."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger told the club's website: "He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons.

"He plays mainly at right-back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong and quick."

Sagna, who will wear the number three shirt, has been a regular in the Auxerre team for the last three seasons and won the French Cup in 2005.

And Sagna added: "I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team.

"Also Arsene Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him."

Arsenal's William Gallas wants talks with boss Arsene Wenger after revealing he and fellow players are unhappy with the club's lack of recruitment.

"What is sure is that several players are questioning the club's future," Gallas, 29, told his official website.

"Around us, teams are recruiting but what is planned to compensate for the departure of Thierry Henry?"

"I will have a discussion with Arsene Wenger and certain board members to find out the objectives for the club."

He added: "Today I am an Arsenal player but I do not know what can occur tomorrow."
I am not at Arsenal to play for third place

William Gallas

The Gunners sold striker Henry to Barcelona in June and have only bought in the unproven Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb as a replacement.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have made some high-profile captures that have left Arsenal in the shade.

The Gunners were linked with Ajax winger Ryan Babel but now appear to be second favourites, with Liverpool seemingly in pole position to land the Holland Under-21 player.

Former Chelsea star Gallas recognises that the cost of building the club's Emirates Stadium seems to be curtailing Arsenal's spending.

But he wants more seasoned talent added to the Gunners ranks to help the side challenge for trophies.

"I am not at Arsenal to play for third place," he said.

"It is necessary to recruit players of reputation because the young players have many qualities but the season is very, very long.

"The young players are thirsty for victories but Arsenal must obtain results, win titles in this period.

"If not, we will have to change policy and do the same as the other teams: recruit with more means."

From : BBC Sports

Arsenal hold Ljungberg sale talks

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Fabregas Happy to Stay at Arsenal

Fabregas happy to stay at Arsenal

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barca as a 16-year-old in 2003 Cesc Fabregas has allayed fears of a move away from Arsenal by insisting he wants to stay with the Gunners. Fabregas, 20, signed an eight-year contract last year but has hinted at a return to Spain at some stage. Thierry Henry's departure to Barcelona and uncertainty over manager Arsene Wenger's future increased speculation surrounding Fabregas. But Fabregas told The Sun: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal, my team. I'm staying in London." Fabregas was reported to be unhappy with Arsenal's £16.1m sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona last week. His unhappiness was picked up by Real Madrid and Barca, where he started his career as a youngster. But agent Joseba Diaz told BBC Sport: "These stories are normal but there is absolutely no truth in them whatsoever. "Cesc is happy for Thierry as they are friends. But he can't wait to start the season, he is a key man for Arsenal." 606: DEBATE How much of boost is this news to Arsenal fans? Diaz says Fabregas is keen to be part of Arsenal's future. He added: "Arsenal are going to buy a lot of good players and they are going to be a major team both in the Premier League and Champions League. "At the moment Cesc is on holiday, but he is very excited about the new campaign." Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2003, believing his first-team opportunities would be limited if he stayed at the Nou Camp.