Report: Arsenal plan new Yohan Cabaye bid

Arsenal are reportedly planning to renew their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye, according to reports in Chronicle.

The report suggested that Arsenal will go back to Newcastle with an increased offer closer to £13 million for the French international. Cabaye has been left out Alan Pardew’s squads for Premier League games against Manchester City and West Ham United since learning of Arsenal’s interest, with the French international thought to have his heart set on move to the Emirates..

The Gunners have seen a bid in the region of £10 million rejected by the St James’ Park outfit for the French play maker but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remains keen on Cabaye.

Newcastle United are open to his sale but only if Arsenal can match their reported £20 million valuation of the France international. Newcastle director of football Joe Kinnear earlier insisted that the ball is in Arsenal’s court over the future of Yohan Cabaye. He said :

We’ve told Arsenal our terms, the ball is in their court.

Cabaye is reportedly keen to join the Gunners and it is understood that he has formally informed the Newcastle manager Alan Pardew that he wants to move to the Emirates before the transfer window closes.

Cabaye passing is incisive and accurate while his tackling is also very good and to top it all he has a good footballing brain. He is just 27 and is yet to reach his prime. He is a full time France international and knows Premier League inside out so he would add experience and quality to the Arsenal midfield.

The Gunners have a wealth of creative talents in the midfield but lack a pure defensive midfielder. Mikel Arteta has been playing in that position for last few seasons but his injury has forced Wenger to look into the market. Cabaye plays in a more advanced role for Newcastle but played as a defensive midfielder on couple of occasions for both club and country. If Cabaye could learns the positional discipline required of a defensive midfielder, he could be both Arteta’s support and perhaps successor.

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Some have also suggested that Mathieu Flamini who is available on a free transfer would be a better acquisition than Cabaye. £20 million might look too much but the board should understand that if there’s a player who is available that Arsene Wenger really rates highly, then surely it should be a problem to splash a couple more millions on him to ensure his signing.

Should we spend £20 m for Cabaye or go for Flamini who is available for fee? What do you say Gooners?