Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Arsene Wenger Must Add Etienne Capoue to Midfield

Arsenal is doing their best to make up for the pending loss of star striker Robin van Persie. They've already added Lukas Podolski, but their tasks in the midfield don't appear to be complete.

According to talkSPORT last week, Arsene Wenger and the Gunner brass are in pursuit of Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue.

"Manager Arsene Wenger is keen to add a combative midfielder to his squad before the next season, and Capoue, who captains France’s under-21 side, has emerged as a target for the Gunners..."

"Reports earlier this summer suggested Arsenal were close to tying up a deal for Rennes midfielder M’Vila, but Wenger is believed to have had second thoughts due to concerns over the France international’s temperament and discipline."

Losing M'Vila would be a concern. They've chased him for awhile, but Capoue isn't necessarily a downgrade. He's only 23 years old, and he has a tremendous amount of upside.

TalkSPORT, citing "Catalan media" on Monday also states that Barcelona could be in the running for the Ligue 1 product. He's rated £9.5 million by the report as well.

Capoue's a perfect fit for the Gunners. He's affordable, and he fills a need next to Podolski. Instead of investing too much money in a player with no potential, Wenger should take a risk on someone purely based on potential.

The Gunners need a defensive midfielder to complement Podolski's offensive presence. Capoue isn't a finished product, but he's a solid tackler with size. His 6'2'' frame keeps him from being pushed around, and he plays with an edge to back it up.

Arsenal's additions are unclear at this point, but it looks like they want to add to their midfield in some capacity. Capoue isn't a "sexy" signing, but he could pay dividends down the road.

He's worth the risk for the price he will command, and it's always nice to out-bid a soccer titan like Barcelona.