Gunners silent on Sagna and Ljungberg

ARSENAL are yet to respond to reports they are about to sign French full-back Bakary Sagna from Auxerre and allow Freddie Ljungberg to leave for Fiorentina.

French sports daily L’Equipe claim Sagna, 24, is in London and ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee, while reports from Italy indicate Fiorentina are confident of beating off Sunderland and Manchester City for Ljungberg.

In June, Sagna, seen as a long-term replacement for Willy Sagnol at right-back in the France national side, was called up to the squad to face Ukraine and Georgia but has still to win his first cap.

Auxerre expect Sagna back in training at the end of the week if he does not tie up a switch to the Emirates Stadium, where fans are waiting to see what plans the manager has to compensate for the loss of striker Thierry Henry in a £16 million move to Barcelona.

Meanwhile Ljungberg’s future also remains in doubt in north London after nine years at the club and he is being pursued by Fiorentina, who are said have instructed sporting director Pantaleo Corvino to try to broker a deal.

It is not clear whether Ljungberg has had talks with Corvino following earlier denials from the player’s agent that the player wanted a move.

Elsewhere, Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has again insisted he is committed to Arsenal despite fresh interest from Real Madrid.

New Real coach Bernd Schuster confirmed his open admiration for Fabregas and the Spanish giants are reportedly preparing a £27 million bid.

But the 20-year-old has repeated he has no plans to leave Arsenal, and said: “Everyone wants the best for me, but I’m happy in London and I haven’t made any plans to go.

“Seeing people of all ages, young and old, wearing the shirt with my name on it in London is an honour and gives me a lift.”