Sebastien Squillaci, Arsenal

Transfer news: Sebastien Squillaci will not be joining French side Bastia

Bastia president Pierre-Marie Geronimi has revealed that the signing of Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci will not happen because of the wage demands.

The 31-year-old joined the Gunners in 2010 but only made 24 league appearances in two years, scoring once, as he fell down the north Londoner’s pecking order.

“Sebastien Squillaci is an extraordinary player who plays for Arsenal where he has one year contract,” he told RMC. “I can not even give you his salary. He is one of the players who are out of reach for us and for many clubs in France.

“Times are tough for everyone,” he continued. “It will be increasingly difficult for the French players playing abroad to return to France. There is too much difference today between a wage in France and the English salaries, and the tax incentives in France will not be made for the benefit of these type of players.”