In a bid to revamp the central defensive midfield options in his squad, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been sensationally linked to former QPR player Stephane Mbia according to the METRO. The Cameroonian endured a miserable debut season with QPR before spending the last season on loan to Spanish side Sevilla, helping the Andalusian club to win the Europa League beating Portuguese giants Benfice in the final. Mbia featured in 30 games for Sevilla last season scoring five goals in all competitions.
With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini both above 30 and well past their prime, Wenger is desperate to sign a central defensive midfielder who would screen the back four and break down opposition attacks. The Gunners have been very much interested in sami khedira but no concrete offers have been tabled by the London club to the Galacticos. Thus Wenger wants to fill the gap quickly offering Mbia an escape route to rebuild his career at the Emirates.
It is reported that Mbia has asked for £60,000-a-week and Wenger believes he can get good value from the free agent if he signs the player before the transfer window slams shut.
The fact that the Cameroon international can play in a defensive midfield role as well as filling in at centre-back has caught the eye of Wenger, the Frenchman who needs reinforcements in both those positions in his already impressive squad as he looks to mount a realistic title challenge with the club. Mbia a fantastic tackler who can break down opposition attacks and would certainly be an upgrade on both Arteta and Flamini.
DAILY STAR however claim that Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are also interested in Mbia, who has also played earlier French sides Reinnes and Marseille. Sources from Italy have also claimed that Napoli manager Rafa Benitez is also interested in the player.
The report also claims that Wenger is looking to bring in former Chelsea star Solomon Kalou who now plies his trade for French side Lille. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also interested in the player, while Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are also looking for a swoop for the 29-year-old striker.