Sagnol claims Arsenal interest

The classy full back has been linked with a move to North London and now he claims that he is on their list of potential summer targets.

Sagnol says that African star Lauren is on his way out of the club.

"I am aware of Arsenal's interest," he is quoted in The Times.

"They are trying to find a successor for their Cameroon international Lauren.

"But I am currently under contract with Bayern until 2006, so we shall have to see."

The 27-year-old moved to Bayern in 2000 when he left Monaco and has established himself at The Olympic Stadium.

Sagnol, though, has only started 14 Bundesliga games this season and is now considering his future - despite the fact he only signed an extension to his contract last summer.

Arsenal would be an attractive option to Sagnol and no doubt manager Arsene Wenger will know all about his fellow countryman, but it remains to be seen whether a new right back is high on The Gunners summer shopping list.

It is also a change of heart from Sagnol - who only last June slammed the standard of The Premiership.