Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Must Land Yann M'Vila to Find Success

Despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s disinterest in Yann M’Vila over the summer, now may be the time to move in on the defensive midfielder.

M’Vila wants out of Rennes, and he was quoted by Richard Arrowsmith of Mirror Football (via skysports.com) as saying, “If the club receive a good offer and I like the destination then I will go, there is no doubt about that. Until that happens, nothing can be said.”

Several incidents involving M’Vila may have cooled Wenger’s interest, but with Arsenal on the verge of re-signing Theo Walcott, Wenger has a chance to significantly improve his squad and make a strong second-half push.

Arsenal currently sit outside the top five with 34 points, and with all the talk of the Walcott negotiations, Arsenal could miss out on making other moves early in the midseason transfer period. If they are to get significantly better in the second half, now is the time to consider adding a player like M’Vila.

While retaining Walcott would keep his scoring presence intact, M’Vila could certainly strengthen Arsenal from a defensive standpoint. His fearless mentality and impressive physical abilities make M’Vila a needed acquisition for an Arsenal defense that has been fragile at times this season.

The 22-year-old M’Vila is coming off a knee injury that he suffered on Nov. 17., and between his injury and the character red flags that have been raised in the past, his expected £12m price tag may scare some clubs away. Still, Manchester City, Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers are rumored to be interested in inking M’Vila as well.

With other clubs potentially in search of M’Vila’s services, Wenger must decide soon if M’Vila is worth bringing aboard for a late-season run and a crack at the top four. The midseason transfer period only lasts through the month, but several players have already inked with other clubs just three days into the period.

Given Arsenal’s current position, making a move on M’Vila is well worth the risk. Walcott’s potential re-signing and the addition of a young, talented defensive midfielder could provide the spark they need to make greater strides this season.