Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Stepping Up Interest in Yann M'Vila

According to reports in Metro, Arsenal are nearing a deal for highly-touted Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila. The report states that the Gunners are already in the late stages of negotiations to sign the 21-year-old France international.

While this is a deal many would welcome as a sign of the club's ambition and one of the best ways to encourage Robin van Persie to stay, the potential fee rates as reason to pause. Apparently, M'Vila commands a transfer figure in the region of £22 million.

Arsenal's tactical structure could certainly benefit from a rugged and disciplined defensive midfielder. Players like Tomas Rosicky and Alex Song excel more in forward areas, and Arsenal are fond of pushing both full-backs forward.

As a result, the Gunners too often find themselves outnumbered on the counter. An accomplished tackler willing to remain behind the halfway line can play a key role in disrupting these breaks before they reach the Arsenal box.

M'Vila is a stout, long-legged tackler, whose challenges are precise and well-timed. He is also a cultured and efficient passer of the ball, able to begin attacks by quickly distributing the ball to forward players.

The Rennes stalwart is a driving midfield force and is not afraid to buccaneer forwards, but it is his strength and tenacity in key areas of the pitch that would prove most useful to Arsenal. However, with Lukas Poldolski's transfer seemingly approved, a big-money move for M'Vila could drain Arsene Wenger's potential transfer budget.

With greater midfield creativity still a need, both centrally and in the wide areas, parting ways with over £30 million on only two players may not be the best approach to take. There is also the matter of what M'Vila's acquisition would mean for the development of players like Francis Coquelin and Abou Diaby.

One thing that is clear is that Wenger seems intent on working quickly to add to the core of the current squad. This is a smart strategy with an international tournament looming. This author still believes that Arsenal are three key additions short of being able to challenge for next season's EPL and UEFA Champions League titles.