Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has snubbed a move to Arsenal and says he will be staying with the French club next season.
The 27-year-old is reported to be on Arsene Wenger’s wanted list as the Gunners chase a new attacking midfielder this summer but the player is happy to stay where he is.
Reports had suggested that Valbuena would be open to a move after Marseille finished eighth last season, a massive 34 points off Champions Montpellier and will not be in Europe next season.
Even so, the midfielder has committed his future and it is another setback to Wenger who is struggling to find the player to finally replace Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
“I will remain faithful,” he told L’Equipe. “I did not want to leave the club like that, finishing tenth. I am very much attached to the club. It’s hard to leave. There are disadvantages to that but benefits too.
“Even without the Champions League next season can be exciting.
“At Marseille we cannot talk about transitionary seasons, but there is everything to succeed.
“I feel good even if that is a bit contradictory with the season we have just had.”
By Setanta
