Arsenal face Newcastle fight over £8m French international midfielder

Newcastle United are being linked with a move for Arsenal midfield target Yann M’Vila.

The Daily Mail claims Toon chief Alan Pardew has ‘expressed an interest’ in the 22-year-old, who wants a move away from Ligue 1 during the January transfer window.

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger was heavily linked with a move for the player in the summer, but baulked at a £17million asking price placed on the player’s head by Stade Rennes.

But, after rejecting a loan month to QPR earlier in the month, according to the paper, he could now be available for as little as £8 million. And, his recent comments over a move away from the Route de Lorient reignited speculation over a move to Arsenal, according to The Evening Standard.

Arsenal aren’t short of midfield options at the Emirates Stadium, but have a track record of bringing top French league players to north London.

Whilst Marouane Chamakh failed to find his best form with the club, Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy and Abou Diaby all represent success stories to an extent for the club, whilst history shows Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka also flourished.

Wenger will be well aware of the M’Vila’s bad-boy reputation however, and will have to consider whether adding a player banned from international football with France until 2014 is a good idea for Arsenal football club.

It’s the same conundrum that Newcastle United will have to consider, but if the reports are to be believed, then Pardew is confident he can control the volatile star at St. James’ Park.