Arsenal are still desperate to sign Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, according to various sources coming out of Italy.
It is no secret that Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the 21 year-old French international and he apparently tried to sign him on several occassions during the summer, but was put off by Rennes’ valuation of the midfielder.
It seems that Wenger has not given up his pursuit of M’Vila and he is planning another move in January. But reports in Italy are suggesting that Arsenal are being put off by the fact that Rennes have not lowered their asking price for the Frenchman, as they are still holding out for over £20 million.
M’Vila is predominantly a holding midfielder and he has caught the eye of several teams in Europe over tha last 12 months with his performances for Rennes and the France national team, after becoming a regular starter under Laurent Blanc.
The midfielder has accumulated 13 caps at the age of just 21 and he has been a mainstay in the France team during the entire Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Injury permitting, he will have a pivotal role to play for them at Euro 2012 next summer and Arsene Wenger is worried that if he doesn’t acquire him before then, M’Vila’s price may increase further if he has a good tournament.
But Rennes are reluctant to sell their prized asset, hence the price tag of over £20 million, and Arsenal will need to fork out their record transfer fee if they are to land the talented midfielder. Arsenal’s previous transfer record was for Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes from Sevilla for £18 million.
After selling Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and with the injury to Jack Wilshere that will keep him out for around five months, Arsenal are desperate to bring in another midfielder as soon as possible.
Twitter: @TariqSaleh21
