With his club prepared to sell, why haven’t Arsenal put in a bid for this talented youngster?

One name that is likely to keep coming up in conjunction with Arsenal this summer is that of Montpellier’s Younes Belhanda. Because he’s a young talent playing in Ligue 1, it’s only natural that the Gunners are linked in some way or form. However, The Metro has strongly linked both Montpellier’s Olivier Giroud and Younes Belhanda to a summer move to the Emirates. Indeed, Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin has been fairly outspoken about his playe’rs futures. He told RMC last month:

“If we’re offered a lot of money, Giroud and Belhanda will certainly go”.  

So the ball is very much in Arsenal’s court. Belhanda is believed to be worth about £10m and has the quality and craft to make a real difference to the Gunner’s next Premier League campaign.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, things seem to have moved backwards in this department. Not only are cash-rich PSG thought to be interested in signing the talented 22-year-old. What’s more the player in question seems to be keen on staying with the Ligue 1 Champions:

“I will play the Champions League with Montpellier, I cannot be sure about my future, but I hope I will play with Montpellier. There is a 60 per cent chance that I will stay.”

And Montpellier’s coach Rene Girard has made it clear that Younes is a major part of the club’s future:

“From what I know, Younes will be with us the next season, from a sporting point of view, that would be my advice to him. He is at a stage in which he needs to grow and the Champions League can help him with that.”

It looks as though any chance of a deal is slipping away. But are Arsenal right to let the talented Moroccan International slip through their fingers?

It strikes me that he’s exactly the kind of player the Gunner’s need. Arsenal have suffered through Cesc Fabregas’ absence and need a midfielder who can pick up some of the creative slack. He’s a constant threat going forward, has plenty of craft and intelligence and can move the ball around at his will. He oozes confidence on the ball and knows when he should be keeping it simple or when he should try to force the issue.

At 22-years-old he’s only going to get better and he’s a player that seems to fit the Arsenal mould. What’s more, Montpellier have him on a fairly low wage packet – even Arsenal won’t find it difficult to tempt him away with the promise of financial reward.

You get the feeling that is Arsenal are really interested, he’s there for the taking. Though Montpellier officials are trying to talk him into staying, it’s clear that there’s plenty of interest in him and that they’d sell for the right price.

So surely Arsenal should take advantage and make a bid?

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