Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Nigel De Jong a Nice Backup Plan for Yann M'Vila

Yann M’Vila should remain the primary target for Arsenal, as he remains the most attractive holding midfielder to be had this summer. But if that falls through, snagging Nigel De Jong from Manchester City would be the perfect alternative for the team.

The Gunners are reportedly interested in the Dutch national, according to the Daily Mail:

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Arsene Wenger has switched his attention to Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong after growing frustrated in his pursuit of long-time target Yann M'Vila.

The Arsenal boss wants to bolster his midfield options after injuries to Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta.

He has cooled his interest in M’Vila after talks stalled over a £17m move for the Rennes star.

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With Rennes reportedly not interested in doing business until after Euro 2012 (via Metro.co.uk), Arsenal may not want to risk waiting as more teams enter the fray, interested in the services of M’Vila. The last thing the Gunners want is a bidding war.

De Jong is a true defensive midfielder that would bolster the defensive third and stay at home, allowing Alex Song to venture forward more frequently without consequence.

His physicality would give the Gunners a more formidable presence defensively, and his strong tackling would stymie the counterattacks that the Gunners are often vulnerable against.

There's no question that Arsenal needs improve in the defensive third, and De Jong would be a move in the right direction. Sure, he wouldn't provide as big a splash as M'Vila—the sort of splash Robin van Persie wants to see if he is to stick around—but De Jong would nonetheless be a smart, safe addition.

Even if the Gunners are able to land either M'Vila or De Jong, that shouldn't conclude the team's moves this summer. While Van Persie is the team's first priority, Arsenal should also re-sign Theo Walcott, take a long, hard look at scoring threat Clint Dempsey and look to poach a solid defender at some point.

But adding De Jong, if M'Vila truly is a pipe dream, would be a nice start for the Gunners. Undoubtedly, it will be a very intriguing summer in North London.

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