Bacary Sagna joined Arsenal in 2007 Photo: Doha Stadium Plus, via Flickr

Bacary Sagna insists he is prepared to play at centre-half for Arsenal this season if called upon by Arsene Wenger.

The France international was deployed in the heart of the Gunners’ defence for their 2-1 Emirates Cup defeat by Galatasaray on Sunday alongside Per Mertesacker.

And the right-back, who is in talks with the north London club about extending his current contract, says he is willing to switch positions next term if Wenger needs defensive cover.

“Playing at centre back started last [season],” Sagna, 30, told Arsenal Player.

“Laurent Koscielny was injured at Sunderland and the coach came to me asking if I wanted to play centre back because we had no cover. I just went for it and tried to adapt as quickly as possible.

“On the pitch everything is different [when you play in a different position]. It’s OK for me. It’s different but I love learning.

“I see myself as a right back but if I have to cover sometimes or play centre back, I will do it for the Club, my team and myself as well.”

Sagna added: “I’m quite pleased [with my pre-season]. I was injured last season so I didn’t have any pre-season and I think you could see it in my performances.

“I was not as sharp as I used to be so I’m very happy to start from the beginning and I’m looking forward to wining something this season.”