Wednesday, 15th January, 2014
Arsenal can consider themselves back in the race for Mathieu Valbuena with the midfielder very keen on a challenge abroad, especially in the Premier League.
Valbuena had previously spoken of his desire to leave Marseille, at a time when Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had expressed his admiration and when Atletico Madrid were also going for his services.
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The 29-year-old is already hoping to play a major role for France at the World Cup, and may only seek a move abroad once he returns from Brazil.
While he is contracted at Marseille until 2017, he is hoping to find more game time in a different league after setbacks this season due to injury.
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When asked which competitions would interest him, Valbuena told L'Equipe: "The Premier League and the Bundesliga are exciting and I very much like Italy. Spain as well, of course!
"I've never hidden the fact that another challenge abroad interests me. For now, I'm an Olympian and proud of it.
"It may be time to see something else. But it's a little premature to say. I want to do my best in the coming months to be ready for the World Cup. It can also be a springboard."
It is not clear if Marseille would consider selling Valbuena, despite their financial issues, though big-spenders Napoli will also be readying a bid should the Ligue 1 giants show any interest in a sale.
Valbuena has played just six full games in the league this season while he has not featured since early December due to a collarbone fracture.
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