Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Marseille Confirm Mathieu Valbuena Is Available

Sky Sports reports that Olympique de Marseille have indicated that they would be willing to enter talks with Arsenal over the sale of star attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

Valbuena has been linked with Arsenal several times during the summer and his addition is seen as a way for the Gunners to offset the loss of Cesc Fabregas and the impending departure of Samir Nasri.

Last night's single-goal victory over Udinese showed that Arsenal still lack the spark needed to keep other teams on the back foot.

The Gunners were resolute and workmanlike Tuesday evening, but nothing more. Arsene Wenger needs to explore ways to provide his squad with that something extra to take the game to their opponents.

Valbuena could be the answer. A diminutive attacking midfielder capable of playing out wide or through the middle, Valbuena would add plenty of drive and trickery to the Arsenal midfield.

The Marseille starlet possesses dazzling ball skills. He is capable of twisting and turning at high speed, while maintaining tight control. Valbuena offers a powerful shot and is a threat to score from distance at any time.

He would offer a similar but more direct threat than Samir Nasri. Goals would probably be Valbuena's biggest contribution, rather than assists.

Valbuena's strength belies his tiny stature and would help him quickly acclimatise to the robust environment of the Premier League.

Valbuena's versatility would allow him to fill in on the flanks when necessary. But he would likely be most effective in a central role.

Positioning Valbuena at the head of Arsenal's midfield trio would allow him to play more advanced, taking a free role, just off the lone front man.

Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song have displayed a new-found efficiency in midfield during Arsenal's first two matches.

Their measured play would provide the perfect platform to accommodate Valbuena's more maverick style.

If Arsenal were to capture the signature of the young French international, they would again be able to boast a dynamic midfield. Having Valbuena join talents like Ramsey, Song and Jack Wilshere would excite an agitated fan base.