Rumour: Arsenal lead the race for Mathieu Valbuena

Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has been touted for a January move to Arsenal, with Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo claiming that the Gunners are poised to move for him to bolster their midfield.

Valbuena was believed to be close to a move to Napoli, but if reports are to be believed then Arsenal may be about to beat Rafa Benitez’s side to Valbuena, having already pipped them to a place in the Champions League knock out stages this season.

Valbuena is thought to be available for around £10 million – considerably less than Wenger’s other mooted midfield target, Yohan Cabaye of Newcastle.

Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for Valbuena, who at 5 foot 6 would add to Arsenal’s host of diminutive midfield players. 29 year old Valbuena joined Marseille in 2006, and has made 16 league appearances this season. Scoring one goal and providing three assists, Valbuena featured against Arsenal twice in this season’s Champions League.

He has also featured against English opposition for his national side, scoring the winner against England at Wembley in a 2010 win for France. He has made 30 appearances for his country, scoring five times.