Arsenal Transfer News: M’Vila, Negredo, Capoue And Szalai Discussed In Latest Speculation

Rennes have confirmed that Yann M’Vila, long linked with a move to Arsenal, has informed them that he is ready to leave the Ligue 1 club.

M’Vila, 22, was widely believed to be on the verge of a move last summer, with Arsenal said to be keenly pursuing the France international. However, it has been reported that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s interest waned due to doubts about the player’s attitude.

The defensive midfielder refused to shake hands with then France boss Laurent Blanc after being substituted at Euro 2012 and has since been banned from all French national teams until after the 2014 World Cup following an unauthorized night out while on duty with the France Under-21 team.

Queens Park Rangers have been linked with a move for M’Vila of late, thought here have also been reports that Arsenal may rekindle their interest, particularly with that player’s asking price thought to have lowered.

"Yes, he feels like leaving," Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi said, according to Sky Sports.

"But it is not a priority for us to sell. If he has to leave, he will leave. But if it is not worth it for him or for us, he will stay until the end of the season.

"It is all moving towards England or Russia."

There has also been new reports about another French defensive midfielder linked to the Gunners in the summer—Etienne Capoue. TalkSport reports that that the Toulouse man is being chased by Chelsea and West Ham, as well as Arsenal. And it is believed that Toulouse are willing to sell the 24-year-old in this month’s transfer window.

Capoue made his debut for France last August and scored his first goal for his country in the World Cup qualifier against Belarus in November.

Arsenal’s other business in the transfer window is likely to be focused on bringing in another striker. With a move for David Villa ruled out by Barcelona, Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo is now being strongly linked.

It has been widely reported that Sevilla need to raise funds due to their financial struggles and have identified Negredo as their most sellable asset.

Spanish publication AS has reported on claims by Muchodeporte that Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has traveled to London on Thursday to negotiate the 27-year-old’s sale. Both Tottenham and Chelsea have also been linked to Negredo.

Negredo has scored eight goals in 16 La Liga appearances this season and has netted six times in 12 caps for Spain.

Another forward target has also emerged in the form of Mainz striker Adam Szalai. German publication Bild claims that the Gunners are keen to sign the Hungary international.

Szalai, 25, reportedly told Bild that “I know of nothing,” when questioned about Arsenal’s interest.

Mainz manager Christian Heidel has said that it would require a massive offer for them to consider selling the player who has scored nine goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season.

"Arsenal haven't contacted us," he claimed, according to Sky Sports. "We don't want to let our striker go in the winter transfer window. But that's another situation if someone willing to pay €20 million (£16.3m) for him."