Arsenal now appear unlikely to sign Yann M’Vila this summer after distancing themselves from reports suggesting a deal had been struck with Rennes.
The Gunners have a longstanding interest in the 21-year-old midfielder and it appeared as though a £17.7million agreement had been reached ahead of a proposed move.
However, Standard Sport understands that the player’s agent had instigated rumours a deal was close in order to force an offer from Inter Milan and that Arsenal have no plans to sign the Frenchman at present.
The framework of a four-year deal worth £60,000 a week had been proposed from the player’s side when tentative contact was made last August and was believed to have been met with a positive response from the club’s hierarchy.
However, Arsenal have privately rejected reports that talks have resumed and are instead keen on switching their attentions elsewhere — in direct contrast to noises from the player’s camp that an agreement was imminent.
M’Vila’s fee would represent a club record and there are thought to be reservations about the player’s temperament after he was arrested for allegedly punching a 17-year-old in an incident that took place at his home.
Although M’Vila’s camp insist a deal remains possible, the Gunners are adamant he is not currently on their wanted list as manager Arsene Wenger looks to complete adjustments to his squad before the start of the European Championships in June.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcott is expected to resume training ahead of Sunday’s final Premier League match against West Brom after recovering from a hamstring problem.
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