Arsenal Target Closes In On Lyon Switch

Arsenal's hopes of bringing Sochaux defender Sebastien Corchia to the Emirates are fading fast after his agent confirmed a move to Lyon is on the cards.

As Bacary Sagna continues to stall on committing his future to the Gunners, 22-year-old Corchia had been touted as a possible replacement in Arsene Wenger's backline.

The fullback has steadily impressed since joining Sochaux in 2011, progressing through the French youth ranks while asserting himself in the Ligue 1 club's first XI, but his agent has indicated the defender is set to continue his development in France at the Stade de Gerland.

"Sebastien has chosen. Lyon is the future, this is what he wants and is what he has planned. I can at least confirm that today," Corchia's agent Francois Gilles said, Sky Sports report.

The news of Corchia's decision to remain in his homeland could come as a blow for Wenger, after the full back previously indicated he would be open to a move away from France.

When quizzed on reported interest from Bayern Munich and the Gunners, Corchia said, "I am happy when I am being mentioned with prestigious clubs home and abroad.

"I am working hard to reach the top level and play in a bigger club than Sochaux, it is everyone's ambition to move to a big club.

"I am a big fan of the two leagues in England and Germany, they are the best two leagues at the moment.

"At the end of the season, I will sit down with the club and see the next step."

Corchia has been one of a number of right backs linked with a move to the red half of north London as the future of France international Sagna remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The 30-year-old has moved into the last year of his contract at the Emirates and despite recently outlining his intention to challenge for the Premier League crown with the Gunners next season,he could not confirm whether he would pen a new deal at the club.