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Consensus seems to have it that one of these two is on the verge of completing a deal for the universally-acclaimed Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, and the Frenchman looks destined for North London in one colour or another.
It’s been assumed all Summer long that Arsene Wenger would conclude a deal for M’Vila at some point, but nothing has materialised and Arsenal look like they’re content to rely on Alex Song and Mikel Arteta in that area of the pitch. And Abou Diaby.
From a Tottenham perspective, M’Vila wouldn’t really add anything to Andre Villas-Boas’ midfield. He’s an excellent player, but he’s too similar in design to Sandro Raniere, whose potential is every bit as lofty. Additionally, as and when Luka Modric heads off to La Liga, Spurs will be left with a creative hole in his place. M’Vila doesn’t fill that gap, and any midfield with him alongside Sandro or Scott Parker, while looking extremely secure, would appear too negative and slightly unbalanced. For the sake of preserving some symmetry and replicating Modric presence, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s pure footballing qualities are probably a better option alongside of one of the ball-winners.
That’s not to say M’Vila wouldn’t be an asset, but in terms of priorities Arsenal could probably benefit more from having him in their side.
Regardless of what happens with Robin Van Persie, the offensive half of Arsenal’s team looks better than it did last year. There’s the potential for a potent relationship between Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud, and they look far more multi-dimensional than they were in 2011/12. If they could add a powerful, complete midfielder to the squad – which includes a steadily improving defence – then they’ll be extremely competitive with the top sides in the league. M’Vila has the defensive aggression and discipline that Wenger wishes he could balance in Alex Song.
M’Vila could be to Arsenal what Patrick Vieira was during the late 90s and early 00s, and that’s why it’s staggering that Wenger hasn’t been more proactive in his pursuit.
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We need this guy instantly than any one in the EPL. We are very glad to see him wearing no 4
@godge Whilst we have all those midfielders I would much rather see us loan out frimpong and coquelin for another season and have M’vila sitting in front of the defense protecting the back four. Song is not strict enough in his position and Diaby, Wilshere are even more likely to venture forward. Sandro and Parker do their job and I think our defensive frailties could be helped by having a combative midfielder who’s sole job is to break up play.
i don’t really no why wenger haven’t bought this guy….is it when all our injuriy prone players got injured….?wenger needs to think …hn!.he need this guy….because arteta is a prone player but good for that matter, and diaby…is also a prone player too…and finally a back-up fro song….although coquiline appear solid, but we can keep gambling….i think m’villa got experience of tackling …he would be a big asset to the club and the squad too……(think wenger forget about the price and get us winning…hn!).
I do not understand this article.
Spurs have Parker and Sandro for the defensive and/or box-to-box midfield.
Arsenal have Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Coquelin, Frimpong and arguably Djourou and Arteta who can play that role. They also have Cazorla, Rosicky, Ramsey and Oxlade-Chamberlain for the more advanced midfield roles yet you think Arsenal need M’Villa more than Spurs need him?