It’s not officially a transfer window until certain players are linked – let the fun begin!
A number of reports are floating around this morning suggesting that Arsenal could be set to make a move for a player they have been linked with for a number of years – French defensive midfielder Yann M’Vila.
M’Vila is currently on loan at Inter Milan from Rubin Kazan but has found playing time hard to come by – and with Inter reported to be looking at Liverpool’s Lucas – the situation for M’Vila is not likely to improve in the near future.
M’Vila went on strike to force through a move to Inter so will not be returning to Rubin Kazan, but according to the report Inter would like his wages off the books to help towards new signings. In any case, the report suggests that M’Vila will be available (and on the cheap) – something that would inevitably suit Wenger.
The problem however, is that this story is actually more than two weeks old (or more than two years depending on what your starting point is).
Today’s article lists Calciomercato.com as the source of the Italian reports. A quick glance at the original article though, whilst giving admittedly much more information on the Inter financial situation, mentions an article from the Daily Express dated the 22nd Dec as their source – an article which when you look at it – is virtually identical to the report this morning.
But jumping back to today’s article – there is no evidence that M’Vila has said “yes” to Arsenal as the report suggests or that the transfer is going ahead or close to completion.
I have no question that at some point Arsenal were interested in M’Vila, and we also know that Arsenal love a bargain and are crying out for a defensive midfielder.
Whether or not Arsenal will be pushing to get involved in this (actually quite awkward) situation between Rubin Kazan and Inter though is another question.
Arsenal have a relationship with Inter because of the Lukas Podolski deal – but there is nothing at the moment to suggest that M’Vila has been mentioned.
And besides, he still has finished his first Arsenal medical.