Transfer Rumour Rater: Youssouf Mulumbu Linked with Surprise Arsenal Switch

In one of the more surprising transfer rumours, West Bromwich Albion's Youssouf Mulumbu has been linked with a shock switch to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

As reported by The Guardian's Barry Glendenning, the Congolese international has attracted attention from Arsene Wenger following a stellar 2012/13 campaign followed by an impressive start to this term.

The former Paris Saint-Germain player was given an opportunity at the Hawthorns after the Ligue 1 side had deemed him surplus to requirements and now face losing him to a side that can offer European football.

It appears that Mulumbu's head has been turned amid the speculation, with Glendenning reporting the midfielder as saying:

"

I have had approaches from Arsenal. I could leave this winter. This is the right time for me to set my sights higher.

I'm ready to join a top four club. We are not professional enough in the way we manage our games – for example our draw at Chelsea. We are not mature enough.

"

West Brom manager Steve Clarke will surely not be too impressed with his player's comments. However, the Baggies have had to deal with want-away players in the past—Peter Odemwingie a prime example—and will not be held to ransom because of Mulumbu's outburst.