Arsenal’s Transfer Alternatives to Yann M’Vila

In one of the most boring transfer stories of the past year, the transfer story of Yann M’Vila to Arsenal continues to plough on in a furrow of dullness and lack of movement. After questions of the holding midfielder’s attitude as well as his apparent declining form for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, doubts over whether the Frenchman has blown his move to North London after talks broke down last summer. With Rennes looking for a high £20 million+ transfer fee as well, I look at the possible alternatives for Wenger in his search for a new man to add to the centre of the park.

Nuri Sahin: After being the pulse of the Dortmund midfield as he guided them to the Bundesliga title during the 2010-11 season, Sahin earned himself a move to Real Madrid. His 7 assists and 8 goals not only earned his team some silverware but himself some too, as he picked up Bundesliga player of the season, so it was no surprise when the Spanish giants rolled in with a £10 million bid to coax the Turkish international into Iberian territory, as he was in the last year of his contract. Citing his desire to play for Jose Mourinho as why he joined Madrid, Sahin has sadly not done much playing since his move, with his appearances being restricted to Spanish Cup and irrelevant Champions League matches, in which he impressive performances have not merited him much playing time in La Liga.

Still only 23, Nuri Sahin is unlikely to wait around much longer for his chance at Madrid, and with not much changing in terms of outgoing transfers from the Spanish capital (especially in the centre of midfield), the domination of Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira may prove too much for him to overcome. If Wenger stumps up the money for this man (probably in the region of €16 million) could unearth a Sneijder/Van der Vaart superstar following their excellent form upon leaving Madrid.

Étienne Capoue: Capoue has just completed his most successful season of his career to date, impressing in the centre of the park as Toulouse built their league form on a staunch defence and refusal to concede many goals, with Capoue contributing massively to making sure the defence didn’t have to do too much work. Similar to Alex Song, Capoue can revert into a defence role as well as one further forward, as his patrolling nature has won him many admirers in Ligue Un, with a his performance in which he kept a strong hold on Younes Belhanda – who regularly destroyed defences as a key part of Montpellier’s title-winning campaign.

Comparisons with M’Vila have been numerous, and based on this season’s form Capoue would have definitely beaten M’Vila to Laurent Blanc’s national team squad had he played more games previously. And because of this, Wenger is probably more likely to get Capoue at the bargain basement prices that he loves, with his lower reputation meaning a fee of around €10 million likely to be required. Pressure is very much on for M’Vila to perform this summer, as the 23 year-old Capoue is right behind him if Wenger isn’t impressed.

Francis Coquelin: Very much the surprise package of Arsenal’s season last year, as he made the impressive step-up from serial loanee during this time out at Lorient in France to extremely adequate back-up, both during the full-back crisis and in the centre of the park in his more familiar defensive midfield position. Although eyebrows were raised when he started in the 8-2 thrashing my Manchester United, many assumed that this would be a one-off as one of the few members of Arsenal’s midfield at the start of the season, but his impressive commitment and flexibility without moaning about being played out of position has won the hearts of many members of the Emirates terraces. Clearly as already a member of the Arsenal squad, no transfer fee would be required, and could play a more decisive role in next year’s season if he keeps up his good form, perhaps turning into a Mathieu Flamini type player for the Gunners. And I would suggest that this is the most likely option ahead of the previous two mentioned.

Follow me on Twitter @sb_crocker.

Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.