Is signing midfield anchor Mbia the smart move for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger is considering a shock move for Cameroon international Stephane Mbia after the midfielder was released by Queen’s Park Rangers.

The Gunners are in the market for a midfield anchor man with Real Madrid star Sami Khedira and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho both linked with a transfer to the Emirates in recent weeks.

But in true Wenger style the Frenchman could turn his attention to securing a free transfer for the man who helped Sevilla lift last season’s Europa League.

Mbia impressed on loan at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium last season and is thought to be attracting plenty of interest from England and a host of clubs across Europe.

Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are all thought to be preparing offers for the midfielder, while AC Milan and Sevilla both want to sign the 28-year-old, who would demand a £60,000-per-week deal.

While many Arsenal fans would be disgruntled if the Gunners ended up missing out on the likes of Khedira and Carvalho in favour of signing Mbia, it may just prove to be a Wenger masterstroke if the club’s links to a move for Edinson Cavani turn out to be true.

The north London club are very well stocked in midfield and signing Mbia on a free transfer would provide good cover and another option in the anchor role while freeing up funds to strengthen over areas of the squad.

A central defender is high on the list of priorities for Wenger, whose side are 40/1 with Ladbrokes to win a third Premier League and FA Cup double of his reign, and many Arsenal fans would love the French boss to sign a striker to compete with Olivier Giroud.

And if signing Mbia freed up the funds for a big deal and meant Gunners fans would be watching Cavani plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium then maybe they may settle for signing the Cameroonian star.

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