English international Micah Richards has been unlucky lately as he has suffered recurring injuries, which have sidelined him for long periods of time, much to his anger and frustration and that of City boss Roberto Mancini. The Italian has been without Richards most of this season and as a result, Argentinian international Pablo Zabaleta has now become Mancini’s first choice right-back. Currently recuperating from another injury, Richards is yet to find his place on the bench.
City are currently planning a massive summer clear out of players to free up space for others, and Richards’ bad injury record could see him facing the axe in the summer, as City would be keen to offload a player who has been on the treatment table virtually all the time recently (as reported in the Daily Mail). Therefore, Richards could be joining the likes of Scott Sinclair, Edin Dzeko, Maicon and possibly even Samir Nasri in a mass exodus from the Ethiad Stadium.
Arsenal too look set to lose French international Bacary Sagna in the summer. The 30-year old joined Arsenal back in 2007 from French outfit Auxerre. He has cemented his place as the first-choice right-back in the Arsenal defense, and has over the time, gained a reputation as perhaps one of English Premier League’s most consistent right-backs.
Sagna’s current contract with the Gunners expires in the summer of 2014, and the club and Sagna’s officials have so far been unable to strike an agreement regarding a contract extension. Therefore, given the failure to reach terms, a lot is being written about a possible summer departure for Sagna.
If this does happen, then the London club would be on the lookout for a top quality right-back. Even though they have the promising youngster Carl Jenkinson in their ranks, many believe that the 20-year old is still too young and unpolished to be playing week in and week out for Arsenal. He might need a season or two to be considered as a possible first-choice option.
Arsenal have been linked with Dutch international Daryl Janmaat in recent weeks. Now joining the list is Micah Richards. Wenger may choose to pursue Richards over Janmaat because the 24-year old is familiar with the rigors of the English game, and it might take him less time to adapt than Janmaat. Also, Richards can play equally well as a center-back. Therefore, the versatility of Richards could help his cause in securing a switch to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
Do you see Arsenal and Sagna somehow reaching a contract agreement or will Arsenal sell him? If they sell him, then do they try to sign Richards from City? Would Richards even be interested in coming to the Emirates?
Too many questions already and it is only March…