Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Considering Bid for Etienne Capoue

Givemefootball.com sites a report from The Times, suggesting that Arsenal are considering a transfer swoop for Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue. Arsenal are in need of midfield reinforcements and have to decide between addressing the attacking or defensive position in their trio.

So far their interest in defensive midfield options has mostly focused on Yann M'Vila. However, the Rennes star will command a fee thought to be in excess of £17 million. Capoue certainly represents a cheaper option.

He is a less-polished player than M'Vila and cannot match his passing range or accuracy. Capoue's game is based more on his ability to break up possession and quickly distribute the ball to more skillful outlets.

In these aspects, the 23-year-old is exceptional. Capoue is a strong and decisive ball winner who tackles with both aggression and most importantly, precision.

His passing is efficient and safe, but that is really all that should be required of a holding midfielder. Capoue is at his most effective when he remains deep and disrupts the opposition.

The Gunners clearly have a need for a more disciplined and reliable deep-lying midfielder. In the current formation, that role has often been occupied by players whose natural instincts are to go forward.

This discrepancy has left Arsenal's back line exposed by quick counters on numerous occasions. Arsene Wenger must identify a player who will willingly stay deep and focus his attention on defensive duties.

Capoue can be that player thanks to his tenacity and single-minded approach. His cost would not break the bank and would give Arsenal the true midfield anchor they desperately need.