Sagna reaches Arsenal agreement

Arsenal FC have signed versatile French defender Bakary Sagna from AJ Auxerre for an undisclosed fee.

'Long-term deal'
The 24-year-old was promoted to the Auxerre first team three seasons ago, becoming a regular and playing in the UEFA Cup in each campaign. He was called up to the national squad for the first time for their UEFA EURO 2008™ matches against Ukraine and Georgia in June although the former Under-21 international did not feature. Predominantly a right-back, Sagna has signed what Arsenal describe as a "long-term deal".

Familiar team-mates
Sagna said: "It is great to be joining Arsenal and I'm excited to be playing alongside many great players. I know Abou Diaby from our time together at Auxerre and also Gaël Clichy and Mathieu Flamini from the French Under-21 team. Also Arsène Wenger is a major reason why I have signed for Arsenal. He is an excellent manager with a fantastic record and I am really looking forward to working with him."

'Fighting spirit'
Wenger added: "We are delighted to have signed Bakary Sagna. He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons. He plays mainly at right-back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game. He has a fighting spirit and will be a very good addition to our squad." Arsenal enter the UEFA Champions League in next month's third qualifying round.