Rested Wenger to up Sagna interest
Arsene Wenger returns today from a week long break at an Italian health resort and is expected to increase his £6million offer for 24-year-old Auxerre full back Bakary Sagna.
The France Under-21 international wants to join Arsenal and has threatened to skip pre-season training with Auxerre if he is refused a move.
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Wanted man: Bakary Sagna (right) in action for France's youngsters
Striker Arturo Lupoli has returned to Italy to sign for Fiorentina after making just one Premiership appearance in three years for Arsenal.
He was on loan at Derby last season.
Wenger is set to step up his search for a goal-hungry striker and close in on a new director of footballer as the Arsenal manager shapes his team for life without Thierry Henry.
The Gunners boss would have been able to attack the summer sales with substantial funds even before the sale of Henry to Barcelona in a £16million deal last week, albeit significantly less than those available at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Anfield and indeed Villa Park.
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins would now appear to be the main focus of the Arsenal manager, although at around £13million may just be on the expensive side.
Another factor Wenger is acutely aware of is the Africans Nations Cup, which is already set to deprive him of the likes of defender Kolo Toure and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor during the domestic Barclays Premier League season.
