Transfer News: Arsenal & Chelsea Battle For £7m Frenchman

As we enter the final stages of the summer transfer window, Football Talk will be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer news. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea battle for a French defender.

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, according to the Metro.

Mbiwa has become one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe after an excellent season at the back for Montpellier, captaining the side en route to an unlikely Ligue 1 title last term.

Arsenal have scouting the 23-year-old for around a year and stepped up their interest in the player after sending representatives to run-the-rule over him once again during Montpellier’s 1-0 defeat to Marseille on Sunday.

The Metro claim the Gunners are set to table an offer for the centre back as boss Arsene Wenger looks to add a defender to his squad before the window slams shut on Friday night.

However, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign the France international and also sent scouts to watch him over the weekend.

Despite the recent acquisition of Cesar Azpilicueta, Roberto Di Matteo is believed to be considering bringing in another defender this week and Yanga-Mbiwa is on his short-list.

The Bangui-born stopper has entered the final year of his contract with Montpellier and so far been unable to agree terms on a new deal. The French side are reluctant to sell their captain but an offer of around £7m could force them into selling this summer.

Yanga-Mbiwa is a versatile defender who predominantly plays in the middle but can also play right back and in midfield, and has clocked up nearly 200 appearances since making his debut for Montpellier in 2007.

Read more Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

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