Arsenal Ready To Battle Chelsea For £8m French Midfield Enforcer

With the January transfer window now open for business we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer gossip. Today, Arsenal and Chelsea are linked with a French midfielder.

Arsenal are ready to battle it out with Chelsea for the signature of young French midfielder Gilbert Imbula, according to the Daily Mail.

The 20-year-old has been in impressive form for French Ligue 2 side Guigamp over the past few years after making his debut shortly after his 17th birthday.

The Metro reported last week that scouts from Arsenal and Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on the youngster this season, but the European champions were understood to have stolen a march on their London rivals and were already in talks to try and tie up a deal.

However, the Daily Mail are claiming today that Arsene Wenger is ready to go head-to-head with the Blues to land the powerful defensive midfielder, who’s understood to be valued at £8m by his club.

Imbula stands at 6 foot 1 inches and has an aggressive style of play so should have no trouble coping with the physical nature of the Premiership if he does end up coming to England.

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I must admit I know little else about the player but I can only assume that if Arsenal or Chelsea do manage to lure him to London, they will regard him as one for the future. Imbula is highly unlikely to be ready to step up from playing in the French second division to be considered a first team regular in the Premier League.

If Arsene Wenger or Rafa Benitez are in the market for a defensive midfielder, I feel there are better options out there such as Yann M’Vila or Etienne Capoue. Both are slightly older and more experienced than Imbula and would be ready to challenge for a first team spot immediately.

Who would you like your team to sign this month? Get involved in the comments section below.