Club hint that Arsenal and Spurs target is closer to the Gunners

Yann M'Vila's future is still up in the air. Photo: Laurent Cipriani/AP

Tuesday, August 21, 2012
10:40 AM

Transfer news: Yann M’Vila’s future could be resolved this week, with Arsenal and Spurs both strongly linked

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi has hinted that Yann M’Vila is closer to a move to Arsenal than Tottenham.

The 22-year-old France international has been linked with the north London duo all summer, while Russian side Zenit St Petersburg have also expressed an interest.

With Alex Song having completed his move from the Gunners to Barcelona, speculation has grown that Arsene Wenger has rekindled his interest in the defensive midfielder.

Discussing M’Vila’s future with RMC, Rennes chief Derossi said: “Arsenal? Maybe. You need to ask Arsene Wenger.

“I think Arsenal will look for a player in this position.

“He [M’Vila] could go there or to a club which sells Arsenal a player.

Derossi also revealed that Rennes will be holding crunch talks with M’Vila this week, in the hope that he can be persuaded to stay in France.

“We will start negotiating. We hope to find a solution by the end of the week,” he said.

“It is complicated. Yann doesn’t want to go to a team where he is not completely wanted.

“There is a real chance for him to stay [in Rennes] this season.”