Arsene Wenger is preparing to launch a summer bid for Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, according to talkSPORT.
The 26-year-old Frenchman, who is known as ‘The Small Bike’ due to his blistering pace and small stature, is available for around £10 million this summer, and it is thought that the Gunners are interested in his services.
It is believed that Wenger sent over scouts to monitor the diminutive attacking midfielder’s progress in Ligue 1 and has been impressed with what he has been told.
Valbuena managed to make 39 appearances for Marseille (in all competitions) this season returning 7 goals and 5 assists.
The Marseille star could be a potential replacement for Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin and even contract rebel Samir Nasri this summer.
To be honest, I’ve only seen Mathieu Valbuena in action in the Champions League as well as on the international stage, and despite his height and small physique; I must say that he does look a very talented player.
Valbuena is very quick and agile, loves to run at full-backs, has an eye for goal and can also deliver deadly balls into the penalty area (something which is certainly missing at Arsenal).
No doubt Wenger’s French connections will put him in front of the queue for the attacking midfielder, who can also be deployed as a winger, this summer.
I firmly believe that Arsenal will require a winger this summer, especially with the futures of Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri all in major doubt.
£10 million isn’t a big asking price by any means; in fact, this is the amount of cash Wenger likes to splash out on a player.
I personally believe Valbuena would make a good addition to the squad (if we sign him of course), and would certainly develop his game further under the tuition of Arsene Wenger.
Would Valbuena be an astute signing for the Gunners this summer?
Should we splash out £10 million for the Frenchman?
Well, here’s a video of the Frenchman in action to make your mind up:
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We already have this in our arsenal excuse the pun
its time to throw some shekles on the table and buy a game changer impact player that can step straight out of cescs shadow and even cast one his way
Come on Wenger grow a pair and snag a big name!
While living in Europe I saw him play with both the French team and Marseille in the French Cup. He is very mazy, has great acceleration and can deliver a great cross. He is very small (same size as Messi) but has excellent mobility and ball control and his technical nous is very high as well. Would be a great addition…but doubt Marseille would part with him.
Out pls Out pls
Diaby Denilson Almunia Arshavin Bendtner Rosicky Squillachi troure thats 8 players
Bring In Hazard, Inler, Chamberlain + 1 more winger and striker – 5 players
NO!NO!NO!……hes not world class.Better buy Eden HAZARD,Gervinho/Ayew/Goetze
No, we could use an attacker such as Gervinho or Gameiro. If Fagregas is sold, someone like Gourcuff would be an awesome replacement.
VALBUENA INDEED SOMEONE THAT THE EXCITING ANDRE AYEW START AHEAD IN THE MARSEILLE TEAM, AYEW WILL BE THE BEST SIGNING HIS TALENT IS CLEAR FOR ALL TO SEE, AYEW HAVE A GOOD SEASON AT MARSEILLE NO WONDER HE HAS BEEN NAMED AS MARSEILLE PLAYER OF THE SEASON WHY NOT AYEW THEN WENGER.