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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Eeeerrrrmmmmmm…..NO! Is he any better than what we have at the moment? No! Is he similar to what we have at the moment? Yes! Both Nasris’ and Arshavins stats are better. Walcotts stats are better. Waste of money…
Yes we need a winger in the name of hazard…
the only players from Marseille that would be welcome to join the mighty Gunners would be in my opinion André Ayew and Loïc Rémy. Both of them have grate futures a head of them
Having watched a lot of Ligue 1, i saw a lot of him. The guy is good. He’s honestly in the same rank as Nasri and he’s more of a hard worker than Nasri despite his height. The question remain is Marseille ready to sell him?
Well, if we lose nasri, cesc, and arshavin, we better bring in this player and remy!
No no no, he should look for better option, I cant understand why we are always struggling to keep our key players at the club. The reason may be, is that lack of ambition (not tried his best to win trophies, just concentrate on club financial issues which is the responsibility of the management) shown by Manager himself
I have seen a lot of this player and he is good. I know his record is not that impressive but was injured for a while. Trust me when I say he is a good player and he will develop under Wenger. Wenger should sign him, but he also needs to sign other players in different positions.
From the clip I`ve just watched he`s a `rat` or a `pocket battleship` if you like. Whatever, he`s five feet dot of fighting fury and if it`s spirit you`re after this guy seems to have it. On the down side he has his legs taken from under him fairly easily and spends a lot of time on the deck. Granted he`s unlikely to get hurt as he doesn`t have far to fall. Interesting player.
He looks great, £10M would be a bargain…get him Wenger!!!
i really dont know anything abt dis player