Arsenal in for Saints’ Chambers as Sagna set to snub new deal

Amid growing concerns Bacary Sagna will reject the offer of a new contract at the Emirates, 14/1 Premier League title chances Arsenal are interested in replacing him with promising Southampton full back Calum Chambers.

The Gunners hierarchy are rumoured to have put a two-year deal, reportedly worth £75k per week, on the table for France international Sagna, but he wants to stay in north London for longer.

It has been the policy under Arsene Wenger not to offer players over the age of 30 long-term contracts, so this situation may have reached an impasse.

Chambers has been a Premier League regular under Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino on the south coast this season. The Argentine coach has been linked with taking over at Arsenal’s north London neighbours Tottenham, should Daniel Levy sack head coach Tim Sherwood.

Despite only signing a new deal at St Mary’s last summer, the Gunners are confident they can land teenager Chambers for £10m. Wenger must fend off interest from Manchester United manager David Moyes to capture the Southampton youngster, however.

Reigning Premier League champions United have endured a difficult first season under their new boss. Current right back Rafael continues to make rash decisions and Moyes is looking at replacing him.

There are rumours elsewhere in tabloid gossip columns that the Red Devils want Everton’s Seamus Coleman. He would cost Moyes £15m to bring to Old Trafford from his former club, so Chambers represents a cheaper alternative.

United have also been linked with bigger money swoops for Saints teammates Luke Shaw (7/4) and Adam Lallana (1/4), who may both go to the World Cup on England boss Roy Hodgson’s roster.

Any move for Chambers would raise doubts about the future of Three Lions cap Carl Jenkinson. He is a rumoured target for Newcastle United and could spend next term on loan at St James’ Park.

Should Chambers snub Arsenal in favour of the Red Devils or stay at Southampton, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastian Jung may be an alternative target for Wenger. The Bundesliga outfit are looking for a new manager following the news that Armin Veh will retire at the end of the season.