Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Steven Nzonzi Would Be Great Addition for Gunners

With Robin van Persie likely to depart and talks with Theo Walcott about a contract extension likely to commence soon, the Gunners have plenty to deal with in-house.

But the team must be looking to bring in improvements from the outside as well, and one appealing option would be adding defensive midfielder Steven Nzonzi from Blackburn.

From the Daily Mail:

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Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Steven Nzonzi's situation after the midfielder demanded to leave Blackburn.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has slapped a £10m price tag on the 23-year-old.

The Frenchman was left at home as Rovers headed to Austria for their training camp.

Kean said: "Steven has asked for a transfer. I want players who want to be here. That's the reason why Steven was left at the training ground when we went away."

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While the team will likely look to add another forward should van Persie depart, they already have solid options up top with Gervinho, Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and recent signings Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.

But adding depth in the midfield—namely, a natural holding midfielder—should be a priority for the Gunners.

The team has long been linked to Rennes defensive midfielder Yann M'Vila, but apparently have never even submitted a bid for his services. And while his addition would be ideal, the likely asking price of £15 million might be a bit rich for Arsenal's tastes.

Surely, Nzonzi will come far cheaper than that.

Adding a true holding midfielder will allow Alex Song to play further up the pitch as he is wont to do anyway, and provide solid support to playmakers Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere upon his return from injury.

Plus, given that Wilshere has now been missing in action for a year, Arsenal should be fully aware that depth in the midfield is always a positive.

Nzonzi is the type of rugged ball-winner that will perfectly aid Arsenal's possession style and complement the facilitating abilities of Arteta and Wilshire or allow Song more freedom to move forward.

It wouldn't be the sexiest signing in the world for Arsenal, but it would be an effective one.

And if van Persie does leave, lord knows they'll need all the help they can get.

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