Cameroon Powerhouse Rejects Arsenal for Everton?
Long-term Everton target Stephane M’Bia has reiterated his desire to move to Goodison Park this week despite reported interest from Arsenal. The Rennes midfielder had this to say, “I have just been told that Arsenal are interested as well, but my position is clear - I want to start the season with Everton.”
“What Rennes are currently offering me is far behind my demands. Both clubs have to find an agreement to help me leave.
“I’m aware that my directors have declared I won’t leave, but it’s just a means to make my price higher. I understand their position and I would do the same.
“It’s politics. Regarding what I’ve heard, I know (general manager Pierre) Dreossi is ready to let me leave. From my part, I don’t want to play for Rennes anymore.
“Personally I don’t worry because English clubs have the resources to sign me. When they really want a player they are ready to spent whatever amount.
“I’m hopeful it will be done by next week. That kind of opportunity only happens once. Everton offer me €1.5 million (£1.2 million) whereas I don’t earn the half of it at Rennes.
“Even if I owe everything to this club (Rennes), I have a family to feed, regardless the challenge, which is very interesting.
“It’s an ideal springboard for my career.”
Rennes General manager Pierre Dreossi however has declared he wants to keep the talented African. The Frenchman said, “We will only talk about increasing the length of his contract, a wages increase and maybe an agreement to leave in 2009.” It’s of no surprise that the club do not want to lose the player this summer after already selling defender John Mensah to Lyon.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international helped Rennes to finish 6th last season after a successful campaign. The youngster has worked his way through the club’s youth ranks after signing from KSA Douala in his home country.
M’Bia has made a total of 78 League appearances for the club (4 goals) and would fill the defensive midfield slot at Goodison Park left vacant by the departure of veteran Lee Carsley. The African midfield star is renowned for his tough tackling and at 6 ft 2 casts an intimidating figure on the field. In the last 3 seasons M’Bia has been booked a total of 21 times and received 2 red cards in just 77 League appearances so Toffees fans should expect the youngster to be exactly the type of enforcer they need. It’s no surprise that the Gunners have shown an interest as they too need this type of player after losing Mathieu Flamini and would have far more funds available than Everton if they are serious in signing the player.
Despite his tender age, the Rennes star has Uefa Cup experience as well as playing an important role in Cameroon’s march to the African Cup of Nations final in February. This includes a match winning 2-goal performance in the quarter-final 3-2 win over Tunisia.With 17 caps and 3 goals to his name, M’Bia could be a useful first signing for David Moyes. The anchorman recently returned from Beijing where he played in Cameroon’s Olympic side.
So would Everton and Arsenal fans like your club to bring the Rennes star to the Premier League or would you prefer a different potential signing? Let’s hear your views.
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Tags: Arsenal, Cameroon, Everton, Rennes, Stephane M'Bia
