ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Yanga-Mbiwa, Radu, M?Vila, Ahmedov, Bendtner And Vela Involved In Recent Speculation
Arsenal's wait to discover the outcome of their long pursuit of Yann M'Vila looks like it will have to wait until after Euro 2012 after all. As the defensive midfielder turned his ankle and was shown in tears on the sidelines of France's friendly with Serbia on Thursday, his championships looked to be over before they had even begun.
But scans later revealed that there was no fracture to the ankle and the sprain means that he is expected to be fit for this summer's tournament. Perversely, a more serious injury could have worked to Arsenal's favor.
M'Vila's club Rennes is thought to be holding on until next month in the hope that an impressive showing in the Euros will initiate a bidding war for his services. A situation the Gunners will be loathed to have to get involved with.
That scenario will at least not be a problem for Arsenal in their reported pursuit of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The Montpellier center-back was cut from the party when the final France squad was named for Euro 2012. But, according to TalkSport, that has not prevented the interest of other parties across Europe, with Napoli said to be pursuing the player.
Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, is said to be valued at £13 million.
With the fear of a deal for M'Vila falling though, boss Arsene Wenger is likely to already be sizing up alternatives. Reportedly having a keen interest in fellow Frenchman Etienne Capoue, Wenger may also be looking at Uzbekistan midfielder Odil Ahmedov.
The Anzhi Makhachkala 24-year-old has claimed that he was pursued by Arsenal this summer and would welcome a rekindling of that interest this time around.
I'd like to try out playing football in England and the team I favor the most is Arsenal, he said, according to Sky Sports.
The word coming out of the camp of fellow Arsenal target, Stefan Radu, has been less straightforward, however.
The Romanian defender's agents, the Becali brothers, Joan and Viktor, have given very different impressions of their clients availability this summer, according to Sky Sports.
This is all talk, Radu will remain at Lazio, Joan Becali reportedly said.
I have not spoken to any English clubs. I honestly don't know where these stories have come from.
Which is not quite consistent with the alleged claims of brother Viktor.
We are working with someone in England, he said.
There are three clubs that are very interested in Stefan.
If we were to receive a good offer and Lazio were to accept, then he could leave.
Wenger's realization of the need to improve a squad that merely crept into Champions League qualification last season, means that several current players could be on the way out this summer.
Those names are likely to include versatile Mexican forward Carlos Vela. After spending last season on-loan at Real Sociedad, the Gunners are open to offers for the talented 23-year-old. And following his 12 goals and seven assists in the league last term, the La Liga outfit are said to be desperate to keep Vela, according to TalkSport.
But Sociedad may still be unable to match Arsenal's reported £6 million asking price.
Another player facing the exit this close season is Nicklas Bendtner. The Dane was also loaned out last season as he enjoyed a mixed spell with Sunderland. According to the man himself, that has not prevented a number of clubs from registering an interest in his services.
Yes, I have talked to other clubs, Bendtner said, according to ESPN. I have told all the clubs that I want to wait until after Euro 2012. We have got plenty of time to sort out the future.
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