Sagna backing duo to stay

Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna believes Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will still be Gunners players this year despite mounting speculation.

Fabregas is once again being linked with a big-money return to Barcelona while Nasri, who is now into the final year of his contract, has been tipped to move on.

A number of Premier League rivals have been linked with Nasri and while Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe he will be joining the Red Devils, he expects the playmaker to move on.

Sagna insists the pair have never expressed a desire to leave Emirates Stadium and that they are both looking forward to the new Premier League campaign.

"We've not spoken about it," he told Sky Sports News. "On my holidays the English press said (Fabregas) has to leave, but it's entirely wrong.

"We said we'd understand if he wanted to go back to his country, but he never said he wanted to leave. He's happy and very glad to play for Arsenal.

"He's still our captain. Of course he didn't travel (to Asia). He's an Arsenal player. The important thing is the team and giving his best.

"When I left he was at the training ground. I'm looking forward to playing with him next year."

When asked if Nasri will be staying this coming season he added: "Yeah of course. If he's here it means a lot. He's really focussed and ready to start the season like he did last year.

"There's always been speculation in football. You can't stop it. You have to deal with it. It's not a problem."