Giroud signed, now for M'Vila?

Arsene Wenger yesterday practically confirmed the deal to bring Olivier Giroud to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to French television, for whom he is acting as a football pundit during Euro 2012, Wenger described his compatriot as possessing "exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing……. He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I'm sure he will do well with us." With Arsenal’s forward line significantly strengthened, attention has now turned to Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila, who has recently declared his interest in a summer switch to the Gunners, in a deal worth a reported £17million.

In addition, Bayern Munich’s interest in the defensive midfielder has apparently cooled, seemingly paving the way for Arsenal to press forward with their bid. Rumours concerning the move first surfaced during last summer’s transfer window and it was reported at the time that Wenger’s bid had been rejected by Rennes. Then earlier in the year, World Cup winner Marcel Desailly implored Wenger to sign M’Vila, describing him as the next big thing in world football and a player who could potentially bridge the gap between the Gunners and the Manchester clubs, enabling the North London side to challenge for the title once again. In Desailly’s opinion, M’Vila is exactly the type of signing which would convince the likes of Robin Van Persie that Arsenal remain one of Europe’s top sides.

Arsenal bound? M'Vila

 

Yet the brilliance of Alex Song this season and emergence of both Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong would raise the question as to whether Arsenal should really be contemplating spending such a large sum on another
defensive midfielder. Regardless of the statements that frequently emanate from the club’s board confirming that Wenger has ample funds should he require them, it is clear that the Frenchman is forced to conduct his transfer dealings with a restricted budget and therefore unlike the Manchester Citys of this world, he has to spend wisely.

Song’s performances this year were absolutely immense as every aspect of his game improved significantly. The Cameroonian became more mature and disciplined in his defensive work and flourished in his role of shielding the back four. The improvement in his attacking play was simply exceptional, with his incisive forward passes resulting in several Arsenal goals. Without question, Song has now become a pivotal member of Arsene Wenger’s side. However with his current contract set to expire within the next 18 months and negotiations with his advisers yet to commence, Song’s future is uncertain and should he decide to move on to pastures new, the Gunners do not currently possess experienced cover in his position. This was particularly highlighted during Song’s three game suspension at the beginning of the season, which played a significant role in Arsenal’s poor start to the campaign. On the other hand however, Wenger has always placed his faith in raw young talent, providing those players he deems to be technically excellent, with the platform to develop at the highest level.

In fact throughout his time at the club, the manager has continually stated that he would find it extremely counterproductive to sign an established player in an area where the Gunners already possess quality young prospects. Such a signing would essentially restrict their first team opportunities and therefore adversely affect their progress. With Wenger preferring to combine one defensive midfielder with two more attack minded players in the middle of the park, the signing of M’Vila would essentially result in Coquelin and Frimpong falling down the pecking order. Both enjoyed breakthrough seasons with the Gunners this term and their performances indicated that both have the potential to fight for a place in the first team next year. Of course Frimpong’s season could well be effectively written off as he will have to battle back from a second cruciate ligament injury and then will probably be sent out on loan to complete his recovery, as has occurred previously with Aaron Ramsey. But Frimpong is a real warrior and did make a full recovery from his first ligament injury so to spend £17million when the Ghanaian will potentially be back with the squad and raring to go, in a year’s time, would not add up. Would former Gunner, Mathieu Flamini, having just been released by AC Milan and available on a free transfer, represent a cheaper, practical alternative? Furthermore, Coquelin would have been expecting more first team appearances having shown great tenacity, hunger and stamina in the defensive midfield role and it would be distinctly unfair for him to now see M’Vila join the squad and effectively take his place. However Coquelin does have the added advantage of adaptability and the fact he can also play in either full-back position may see the young Frenchman being switched to cover these areas in order to accommodate the arrival of his compatriot.

Yann M’Vila is clearly an exceptional talent and his signing, alongside those of Podolski and Giroud, would create great excitement amongst the Arsenal faithful and raise expectations for the forth-coming season. M’Vila would undoubtedly improve the squad and enable the Gunners to reach the next level as they attempt to compete with the richest clubs in the world for the biggest prizes in the game. Yet with Alex Song having enjoyed such a fruitful season and the emerging talent of Frimpong and Coquelin in this position, I wonder if £17million is slightly too high a price to pay for a player who will not be a first team regular and will essentially be competing with Song for a starting place. Could that money not be used to greater effect in strengthening other areas of the squad? Or in offering improved deals to those whose contracts are due to expire?