Yann M’Vila on Arsenal radar

Arsene Wenger is expected to make some big-name signings at long last as there are just nine days remaining before the transfer window shuts close.

Wenger has responded to Arsenal’s troubled start to the season by making a bid for the Rennes holding midfielder Yann M’Vila. The manager’s attempt to strengthen his team came as hopes grew that Jack Wilshere will return from ankle trouble to face Udinese in Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League play-off second leg.

Rennes insist M'Vila is going nowhere

However, Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi has denied reports that Arsenal have made a bid for  the midfielder and has told Arsenal that the club expect M’Vila, 21, to remain in France for the coming season.

Following the sale of Cesc Fabregas,  the expected departure ofSamir Nasri  and a slow start to the season, Arsenal  boss Arsene Wenger  has been linked with a host of players as he bids to strengthen his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

Aisde from M’Vila, Lille’s Eden Hazard and Sochaux’s Marvin Martin are also believed to be targets as Arsene Wenger turns his attention to Ligue 1 in an attempt to strengthen his squad before September 1.

M’Vila is regarded as a tough midfielder, and he will be a good compliment for the creative Jack Wilshere in Arsenal’s midfield, if the move goes through. Hazard, on the other hand, is a highly-rated winger and has been wanted by top clubs across Europe. Wenger himself has been watching the player for over two years, and although Lille is refusing to sell him, a tempting offer could break their stance.

Despite Rennes’ resistance,  Arsenal have not yet given up hope of landing Yann M’Vila.

The 21-year-old France international is rated as one of the best talents in his homeland, and Rennes are said to be holding out for around £17m to release him.

The obvious solution to the club’s personnel problems is for Wenger to strengthen in the transfer market, and many supporters at the Emirates were keen to remind the Frenchman of that. Wenger said that Arsenal had “the money to buy players, we are not short of money”, and he rejected the notion that the more he was urged to spend, the less likely he would be to do so.

Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wneger, Belgium, Eden Hazard, Emirates Stadium, France, JAck Wilshere, Rennes, Yann M'Vila