Do Arsenal Duo Deserve Their Potential New Contracts? A Statistical Look

While all eyes have been on the Mesut Ozil deal at the Emirates, reports from the Independent suggest that Arsenal are willing to reward two less-creative players in the shapes of Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna – half of the defensive Gunners’ heart. But do the pair deserve new deals? We’ve had a quick flick through the statistics to get a better idea.

Last season German giant Mertesacker was one of the most impressive players at the club. The 28-year-old played 34 Premier League games for the north London outfit and left captain Thomas Vermaelen to fight it out with Laurent Koscielny for the central spot next to him.

Mertesacker completed a whopping 91% of his passes, 66% of his duels – which included 86/127 of his headers being won – and even chipped in with three goals.

If there is one man who deserves an improved contract at the club, then my vote would go for the Germany international.

Moving over to right-back and we have France international Bacary Sagna, who was actually expected to leave the club recently. Carl Jenkinson’s bright start to last season was quickly dashed by Sagna as he put in a flutter of sterling performances on the right flank to win back the hearts of the Gunners faithful.

Sagna played 25 games last term, completing 24 of them, and created 20 chances for his team-mates. He made an average of six defensive actions per game, but did make four individual errors, two of which led to a goal.

The jury is out for me on this one. Although his contract is out in the summer meaning that he could walk out for free, Sagna is not a player I rate highly. He seems clumsy on the ball and is often caught out of position which is easily exploited by the stronger opposition. I’m in the opinion that the wages could be better spent elsewhere, especially as he is now 30.

What do you reckon Gooners, do they deserve new contracts?

All statistics provided by Squawka.