Three Arsenal players linked with Serie A switches

With the news Juventus may be considering sending Nicklas Bendtner back to Arsenal early, three Arsenal players have been linked with moves in the other direction over the past 24 hours.

Here is a look at who, why, and is it possible?

Vito Mannone

Mannone has been the surprise of the season, even the player himself would not have dreamed of such opportunities this campaign. It is thanks to the injuries suffered by both Wojciech Szczesny and Lukas Fabianski that his chance has come, but he has grabbed it with both hands. What lies ahead is unclear, his contract is up at the end of the season, and Szczesny is expected to come back and claim the number one spot. However Mannone will have enjoyed his taste of first team action, and havin not done much wrong will not want to go back to the reserves. It is reported that a number of Serie A sides are interested in him, including Inter Milan and Napoli, and the 24-year-old may be advised to strike while the iron is hot. For now he says while no contract talks have arisen, his mind is focused on Arsenal.

Bacary Sagna

The rumours linking Sagna away from the Emirates continue to persist, with Inter Milan said to be closely monitoring his rehabilitation from injury. The right-back made his return for Arsenal's under-21 side in midweek, and will be available for selection after the international break, but faces a real challenge for his position thanks to the excellent form of Carl Jenkinson. The Englishman has left Arsenal fans reasonably assured that if Sagna did move on next summer, it will not be a disaster. Sagna expressed his disappointment over the sale of Van Persie and Song, and despite the Gunners excellent form, the perception is he may be open to a new challenge.

Johan Djourou

Swiss international defender Djourou has been linked with a switch away from the club this week by reports abroad, with Roma suggested as his destination. It was a surprise to many that the centre-back was handed a new contract by Arsenal in February, but the 25-year-old is yet to feature this season. Wenger said last month that he does have a future at the club, but he is at best fourth choice, and for the sake of his international prospects, the defender would be wise to seek a move away. A move to high profile club like Roma should be an opportunity he should snatch if it materialises.

Can you see any of the departures happening? Should Arsenal give Mannone a new contract as soon as possible?

image: © Ronnie Macdonald

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.