X

Yann M'Vila to Arsenal: Things You Need to Know About Budding Star

Tim Keeney@@t_keenX.com LogoContributor IMay 8, 2012

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17:  Yann M'Vila (L) of France holds off the challenge of Jordan Henderson (R) of England during the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

According to Mirror Football, Arsenal is close to reaching a deal with Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

While the Gunners have certainly tricked us with things like this before, it's not too early to take a deeper look at the young Frenchman. 

It's important, of course, that Arsenal concentrate on finishing this season, as they continue to fight with Tottenham for the all-important third spot in the EPL, but it's hard not to get excited about what Arsene Wegner is putting together for 2012-13. 

Lukas Podolski has already been brought in to bolster the attack, and now M'Vila could very well be on his way to shore up the midfield and defensive side of the ball.

If this deal goes through, Arsenal is going to be a force.

Here's a closer look at what you need to know about M'Vila.

Background Information

M'Vila, 21, currently plays for Ligue 1 club Rennes, where he has made 107 appearances dating back to 2009.

Before that, he spent five years with Rennes' youth squad after spending time as a young kid with Amiens SC and Mantes. 

M'Vila made appearances for every one of France's youth national teams before making his way onto the senior club. While there, he's made 18 appearances and scored a goal against Albania in the Euro 2012 qualifying.

Position and Style of Play

M'Vila won't be scoring Arsenal a ton of goals, but that's only because he doesn't play in a position that allows him to.

His real strengths in the defensive are passing and tackling. 

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 09:  Robinho of Brazil holds off a challenge from Yann M'Vila of France during the International friendly match between France and Brazil at Stade de France on February 9, 2011 in Paris, France.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Image
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

When it comes to passing, M'Vila is imaginative, precise and smart. He has the perfect mix of creativity and intelligence, and those traits led to a league-leading passing percentage of 84 percent in 2010-11.

His unique skills as a deep-lying playmaker are vital in starting early attacks, but he's not just someone who concentrates on offense, either.

M'Vila has been described, via ESPN Soccernet, as a player with a "fantastic work-rate" who is "robust in the challenge (and) is happy to put himself about and fears no-one when it comes to making a tackle."

So, while Alex Song has looked better moving forward as of late, M'Vila looks like a much better fit at the position.