Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger says He'll Allow Key Defender to Leave

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he will "accept it and respond" if defender Bacary Sagna decides to leave the Emirates this summer.

Sagna, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has long been linked with a move away from North London, with Manchester City among the favourites to secure the signature of the coveted right-back.

Asked about the future of the 31-year-old French international, Wenger said "only he [Sagna] can decide", indicating an apparent reluctance to fight for the future of the player he signed from Auxerre in 2007.

Talks between Sagna and Arsenal over a new contract apparently stalled because Sagna asked for £100,000 a week. Wenger's wage policy does not permit the award of such a high salary to a player over the age of 30.

Rock for club and country

Sagna has become one of the most consistent and respected full-backs in European football since his move to Arsenal seven years ago, and has also been a rock of the French defence.

In addition to City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Turkish club Fenerbache have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Sagna when his contract comes to an end this summer.

Reports suggested last month suggested that Wenger had offered Sagna a new deal, but neither club nor player have yet commented on the progress of the talks.

The Arsenal boss was speaking ahead of the club's final match of the season, against Norwich. The Gunners are already assured of a place in the top 4, bringing entry to the Champions League for next season.