Now Arsenal Want £15 million Yann M'Vila

He has been tracked for some time by both Manchester United and Liverpool, but now, the Rennes defensive midfielder is being linked to a £15 million move to Arsenal.

The 20 year old midfielder is highly thought of in France, and teams all over Europe have been said to be watching him in the hope of acquiring his services.

Back in January, the Frenchman, who has been described as a player who possesses "excellent defensive abilities" and "impressive physical strength" said:

"Manchester United is the club of my dreams. It's a very prestigious club and I dream to play for them."

However, some sources claim that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch him in action and are "poised" to table a £15 million bid to bring him to the Emirates. Arsene Wenger is known for his attention to younger prospects, yet he is often criticized for not bringing in experience, which is cited as one of the main reasons for Arsenal's lack of success. It seems then, that Wenger has been doing his homework, as M'Vila's coach said after his debut in 2009: "For a youngster, he has an unusual level of maturity in his game."

A Rennes source said: "We know there are many clubs who want M'Vila but only a big offer will tempt us to sell him. We have not received any official bids."


His qualities are summed up on ESPN's profile on the player: Robust in the challenge, M'Vila is happy to put himself about and fears no-one when it comes to making a tackle. He boasts a fantastic work-rate but is by no means just about lumbering physicality; he possesses superb vision and can be instrumental in building-up attacks from the back.

His contract with Rennes expires in 2014 after signing another extension to his contract in August of 2010.

Liverpool Line-up Rennes Winger

Liverpool are lining up Sylvain Marveaux of French club Rennes on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season, and he has expressed his desire not to renew it, therefore making him free to find a new club at no cost. Monaco, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain are said to be interested, but Liverpool's new director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, has marked the Frenchman out as a player who will add nicely to the small squad that Liverpool now have.

He can play in a number of positions in the midfield but is mostly played on the left side of midfield or in a further advanced position more centrally. Last season, Marveaux played 28 times in all competitions, scored 12 goals, and assisted 5. Despite suggestions that the new director of football strategy at Liverpool may have a bigger say in transfers than Hodgson would like, Hodgson has made it clear that it is important for the manager to make the decisions on who will be in is team.

The free transfer is also convenient for Liverpool. Although they have new owners who admit that investment is needed, it is not known whether John Henry will spend big money, so a free signing while adding to the squad at the same time will only help Liverpool's still slightly fragile position.