Tag Archives: rennes

Arsenal join Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in race to sign Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Arsenal join race to sign 15m-rated 'African Neymar' Aubameyang after scouting mission

By
John Drayton

PUBLISHED:

10:38 GMT, 10 March 2013

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UPDATED:

10:38 GMT, 10 March 2013

Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham in the race to sign Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a player dubbed 'the African Neymar.'

The club's scout, Gilles Grimandi, had a close look at Aubameyang in the 2-2 draw with Rennes on Friday night, in which the Gabon player scored his 16th goal of the season.

Good impression: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for Saint-Etienne on Friday night in front of a number of Premier League scouts

Good impression: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for Saint-Etienne on Friday night in front of a number of Premier League scouts

Prospect: Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle in the race to sign the 15m-rated Gabon striker

Prospect: Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle in the race to sign the 15m-rated Gabon striker

Already highly-regarded in France, Aubameyang has moved onto the radar of a number of Premier League sides, many of whom have sent over scouts to watch him.

Arsene Wenger is expected to deploy Grimandi and chief scout Steve Rowley to more Saint-Etienne matches before the end of the campaign, as Arsenal ponder a 10m move.

Newcastle came close to signing the 23-year-old in the January transfer window, only for the French club to reject their bid as they hold out for a 15m fee in the summer.

Celebration: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sent trusted scout Gilles Grimandi to watch Aubameyang on Friday

Celebration: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sent trusted scout Gilles Grimandi to watch Aubameyang on Friday

Arsenal rule out move for Yann M"Vila

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We don't need him! Wenger rules out M'Vila deal… if Wilshere and Diaby are fit

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UPDATED:

08:24 GMT, 23 July 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for highly-rated French midfielder Yann M'Vila.

The Rennes star is expected to quit Ligue 1 this summer, with the Gunners and Inter Milan showing firm interest since the season's end.

However, injury hampered M'Vila's performances at Euro 2012 and both clubs have taken a back from negotiations.

Lads on tour: Arsene Wenger doesn't think he needs another midfielder

Lads on tour: Arsene Wenger doesn't think he needs another midfielder

Hot property: Yann M'Vila

Hot property: Yann M'Vila

And now Arsneal boss Wenger has revealed he hopes the fitness of two current members of his first-team squad make a move for his countryman unneccessary.

Asked whether he still wants M’Vila, Wenger said: 'No. We wait for [Abou] Diaby and [Jack] Wilshere. When he is fit, Diaby is the first name on the French team sheet.

'When you look we have Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin, Diaby, Wilshere and Mikel Arteta. We are not short if Diaby and Wilshere are coming back. If we have setbacks in pre-season, it could be different.'

Diaby's career at Emirates Stadium has never fully taken off after a succession of injuries, stemming from a broken ankle suffered in first season with the club.

Wilshere, meanwhile, missed the whole of the last campaign. Wenger hopes to have the England star back soon but revealed that the midfielder was yet to kick a ball this pre-season.

Yohan Cabaye interesting Barcelona

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Cabaye concern for Pardew as Barcelona weigh up 8m move for Newcastle midfielder

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UPDATED:

10:05 GMT, 11 July 2012

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is facing a fight to hold on to Yohan Cabaye as Barcelona show interest in the midfielder.

Cabaye had a superb season after joining Newcastle for 4.3million on a five-year deal from Lille last summer and played for France at Euro 2012.

Attracting attention: Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has plenty of admirers

Attracting attention: Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has plenty of admirers

Barca had been considering a move for Cabaye's international team-mate Yann M'Vila from Rennes but are now weighing up an 8m swoop for the Magpies star.

M'Vila appeared to be heading for Arsenal earlier in the summer but Arsene Wenger's interest looks to have cooled.

Gunners boss Wenger has been monitoring the situation of Etienne Capoue at Toulouse.

Aston Villa eye Rennes midfielder Yacine Brahimi

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Villa boss Lambert moves for wantaway Rennes midfielder Brahimi

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UPDATED:

07:42 GMT, 4 July 2012

Paul Lambert wants to make 2.5million-rated Rennes midfielder Yacine Brahimi his third signing at Aston Villa.

Lambert has already boosted his ranks with Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord and Brett Holman from AZ Alkmaar.

Fall out: Rennes midfielder Yacine Brahimi

Fall out: Rennes midfielder Yacine Brahimi

Now he has turned his attention to Brahimi after the France Under-21 international fell out with the French club, reports the Sun.

But Lambert faces competition from Sochaux and Borussia Monchengladbach for his signature.

Brahimi, 22, said: 'I'm at the point of no return with Rennes. My relationship with them is broken.'

Lambert is expected to complete his backroom team on Wednesday with the arrival of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa from Norwich.

Olivier Giroud talks up Bayern Munich move

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Blow for Arsenal and Liverpool as France striker Giroud talks up Bayern move

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UPDATED:

10:36 GMT, 9 May 2012

France international striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that his agent is in discussions with Bayern Munich over a potential transfer to the Champions League finalists.

Arsenal and Liverpool have both expressed an interest in the Montpellier man, who is valued by their eccentric owner Louis Nicollin at a staggering 50million.

French fancy: Both Liverpool and Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Giroud

French fancy: Both Liverpool and Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Giroud

Matt Fortune

In reality a deal for the 25-year-old is likely to cost in the region of 15m, but whatever the fee a summer move looks certain with Giroud in the shop window at Euro 2012.

'I personally had no direct talks with Bayern Munich, but my agent has,' the striker, who has scored 21 goals this season for the surprise Ligue 1 leaders, revealed in Bild.

Sealed with a kiss: Giroud scored as Montpellier beat Rennes on Tuesday night

Sealed with a kiss: Giroud scored as Montpellier beat Rennes on Tuesday night

He added: 'Bayern Munich’s French players [Bixente Lizarazu and Willy Sagnol] talk of the positive experiences they had in Munich. All players have always told how friendly they were received, how happy they were there and how they were treated.'

Bayern are in the market for a striker after Croatian international Ivica Olic agreed to join Wolfsburg, leaving Mario Gomez and Nils Petersen as Jupp Heynckes' only options.

Arsenal agree Yann M"Vila deal with Rennes

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Wenger settles deal in principle with Rennes over signing of 17m midfielder M'Vila

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UPDATED:

22:05 GMT, 8 May 2012

Arsenal have agreed a deal in principle to sign Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday how Arsenal had opened talks with the French club over a 17million offer.

M'Vila held talks with Inter Milan last week but has since decided he wants to join the Gunners, whether they secure Champions League football or not.

Arsene's choice: Yann M'Vila (right) is set to join Arsenal this summer

Arsene's choice: Yann M'Vila (right) is set to join Arsenal this summer

Wenger has continued his preparations for the new campaign by stepping up his interest in both M'Vila and Blackburn's Junior Hoilett.

The Arsenal manager has been hot on the trail of the Rennes midfielder for around 12 months.

Arsenal have scouted other targets in case their attempts to sign M’Vila end in failure; Athletic Bilbao playmaker Javi Martinez and Anderlecht central midfielder Lucas Biglia have both been watched.

Down but not out: Blackburn's Junior Hoilett has plenty of options

Down but not out: Blackburn's Junior Hoilett has plenty of options

But Arsenal officials are said to be increasingly confident of securing a deal to sign the France midfielder next season.

Wenger can see only positives coming from signing Hoilett – a player who is out of contract at the end of the season. The free agent has also attracted strong interest from Bayern Munich and Marseille.

Yann M"Vila arrested to throw Arsenal move into doubt

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Arsenal’s 17m move for M'Vila in doubt after France midfielder is arrested

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UPDATED:

09:49 GMT, 2 May 2012

France international midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Yann M’Vila has been arrested for allegedly punching a 17-year-old.

The Rennes star, 21, was released on Tuesday after spending the night in a police cell following an incident that allegedly took place at his home in Vern-sur-Seiche.

Arrested: M'Vila spent the night in a cell in his home town

Arrested: M'Vila spent the night in a cell in his home town

M’Vila has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe after establishing himself as a regular in Laurent Blanc’s national side.

He is valued at around 17million by his club and is widely expected to move in the summer, with Arsenal his most likely destination.

M’Vila was in the headlines in March when two prostitutes were jailed by a Montpellier court for robbing the player and a friend of his, while back in January 2010 a restaurant owner was allegedly hit by M’Vila following a road incident.

Yann MVila arrested

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Arsenal’s 17m move for M’Vila in doubt after France midfielder is arrested

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UPDATED:

08:38 GMT, 2 May 2012

France international midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Yann M’Vila has been arrested for allegedly punching a 17-year-old.

The Rennes star, 21, was released on Tuesday after spending the night in a police cell following an incident that allegedly took place at his home in Vern-sur-Seiche.

Arrested: M'Vila spent the night in a cell in his home town

Arrested: M'Vila spent the night in a cell in his home town

M’Vila has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe after establishing himself as a regular in Laurent Blanc’s national side.

He is valued at around 17million by his club and is widely expected to move in the summer, with Arsenal his most likely destination.

M’Vila was in the headlines in March when two prostitutes were jailed by a Montpellier court for robbing the player and a friend of his, while back in January 2010 a restaurant owner was allegedly hit by M’Vila following a road incident.

Marcel Desailly urges Arsenal to sign Yann M"Vila at any cost

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He'll be better than Vieira! Desailly urges Arsenal to sign French star M'Vila at any cost

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UPDATED:

10:42 GMT, 4 April 2012

Marcel Desailly has urged Arsenal to sign French sensation Yann M'Vila at any price because he will be 'better even than Patrick Vieira'.

The Rennes star believes money should be no object in the Gunners' pursuit of the 21-year-old midfielder.

The World Cup winner is certain M'Vila will be able to become the best midfielder in the world if he can play in the Premier League.

Talent: Marcel Desailly believes Yann M'Vila (right) will be better than Patrick Vieira

Talent: Marcel Desailly believes Yann M'Vila (right) will be better than Patrick Vieira

'I would just say that if I was the chairman of a Premier League club I would just close my eyes and put the figure on the cheque to get him,' Desailly told Goal.com.

'Because he is really the future. The talent is there. It is obvious.'

Desailly's comparison of the midfielder to one of Arsenal's greatest players will excite fans of the north London club – but the former Chelsea captain believes he has a little to learn before he can overtake Vieira.

'He is doing too much on the field,' he said. 'He is defending and trying also to create and make the difference up the field. He has to reduce his commitment up the field.

desailly

vieira

Claim: Marcel Desailly (left) believes M'Vila will be better than Patrick Vieira

'He is a defensive midfielder. If you defend very well anything extra you do is fine. First of all, stick on one thing – defending very well and passing very quickly to the offensive players.

'Once he will have understood that you will see he is the best midfielder – better even than Patrick Vieira.'

Arsenal are not the only club linked with M'Vila, and Desailly thinks that he could also be nurtured into a world-beater at Manchester United.

Sign him up: Arsene Wenger has been reluctant to dig deep for transfers but he may have to if he wants to sign M'Vila

Sign him up: Arsene Wenger has been reluctant to dig deep for transfers but he may have to if he wants to sign M'Vila

'Arsenal is probably a stable club where he can have a bit of time or [Manchester] United where he has time to assimilate the changing of clubs and start slowly to perform,' added Desailly.

'He needs to come to the Barclays Premier League. We want him in this competition because it is the best, first of all, and he can really develop his skills. It is for players who like to play with tempo.

'You can see by the way he gets the ball, control and passes straight away. Long ball, short ball. He has that sort of rhythm that the Barclays Premier League is demanding.'

Improvement: Desailly thinks when M'Vila concentrates on just being a defensive midfielder he will get even better

Improvement: Desailly thinks when M'Vila concentrates on just being a defensive midfielder he will get even better

Arsenal scouts watched the youngster during Rennes' draw with Lyon on Sunday and the club will be encouraged by his desire to move to the Emirates.

The 22million-rated French international told Canal+: 'Inter, Arsenal, Real … I will take the fun everywhere!

'These are great clubs.

'If the coach calls you and tells you he wants you to make you play, especially a French coach, it changes everything.

'The important thing for me is getting playing time for the France team.'

Petr Cech expects to commit immediate future to Chelsea

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Cech expects to sign new Chelsea deal but doesn't rule out move in the future

Petr Cech expects to sign a new extended contract with Chelsea soon – but refuses to rule out the prospect of leaving the club one day.

The 29-year-old has been a mainstay for the west Londoners since joining from French club Rennes for 7million in 2004.

Reports suggested Andre Villas-Boas could sell Cech in favour of summer signing Thibaut Courtois – currently on loan at Atletico Madrid – but the Czech international is keen to sign a new contract.

'Yes, I think [I will sign a new deal] and we will not have a problem,' he told the London Evening Standard.

Keen to stay: Petr Cech joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004

Keen to stay: Petr Cech joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2004

'There are a lot of matches at this time of year so we agreed [before Christmas] that both sides would prepare for the negotiations and meet to resolve it when there is time for that.

'The last few weeks have been hectic and we [agreed] to meet after New Year's Day. I have been here for seven years and I have been more or less a regular starter, so I'm more than happy to stay.

'Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be at a club who are among the best in the world. Chelsea are in the world's top competition, so I have no reason to leave. I would like to see myself staying here.'

Safe hands: Cech has racked up over 200 appearances in a Chelsea shirt

Safe hands: Cech has racked up over 200 appearances in a Chelsea shirt

While Cech is keen to commit his immediate future to the Stamford Bridge club, he refused to rule out one day plying his trade elsewhere.

'It is difficult to leave the best league in the world and if you take a look around, you will not see many teams of Chelsea's category that would be looking to sign a new goalkeeper,' Cech added.

'If I would like to try something new, then it would have to be a club of a similar level to Chelsea.

'You never know, everything happens fast in the football life. You can sign a 10-year contract with a club and then end up leaving after three years.

'I'm 29-years-old and I believe that there is still time for a possible change.'