Auxerre have admitted that Bakari Sagna is desperate to join Arsenal, however the Gunners are yet to meet their valuation of the French full-back.
Gerard Bourgoin, vice-president of the French club, said Arsenal have stepped up their bid to sign the 24 year old and it is thought the Ligue 1 side have already discarded a £6 million bid for the player.
But Bourgoin fears they will not be able to keep hold of Sagna if Arsene Wenger makes an enhanced offer for his services.
He informed the Daily Mail, "Sagna has a deep wish to play in England and he genuinely would like to wear the Arsenal shirt. They appear keen to sign him as well. The conditions for him to leave have not all been met, at least not for the time being."
Sagna, who was called up for the France national team in May, can play at both right back and left back and would provide competition for the likes of Gael Clichy, Justin Hoyte and Emmanuel Eboue at the Emirates Stadium.
17 06 2007
Newcastle and Arsenal are chasing France defender Bakari Sagna.
The Gunners have already lodged a £6 million bid with Auxerre and are waiting for permission to speak to Sagna.
Newcastle have now entered the race and manager Sam Allardyce is eyeing up the highly rated right back after missing out on Tal Ben Haim, who signed for Chelsea.
Sagna, 24, is determined to leave Auxerre and thinks he needs to be playing at a high-profile club to keep his place in the France team, accoring to the Daily Mirror.
