Arsenal could sign former defender Bacary Sagna on a free transfer this summer, although they face stiff competition for his signature, according to latest reports.

The 34-year-old is currently without a club after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season. And according to the Daily Star, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing him.

They state that while Italian Serie A outfit Torino and Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea are the favourites to procure his signature, the bookmakers have given Arsenal good odds.

Sagna left the Gunners in 2014 after running down his contract. He made 284 appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup, before he left for a fresh start with Manchester City. It so happens that Arsene Wenger could do with some defensive cover at the moment, especially at right-back.

There’s also a precedent set for Arsenal re-signing ex-players well into their 30s. Sol Campbell and Jens Lehmann both returned to the club as veterans, while Thierry Henry also came back to Arsenal on a short-term loan.

Even the likes of Mathieu Flamini and Nicklas Bendtner returned to the club after leaving. Hence, it’s not impossible that Arsenal could sign Sagna again if they’re in need of cover. He can play centre-back and right-back. Arsenal could sign him at any time but wouldn’t be able to register him to play until January.