In theory, Manuel Pellegrini already has a plethora of options in midfield, but L’Equipe understands we have made ‘concrete steps’ to add Yann M’Vila to the list.
The Frenchman was last seen in England when he spent the 2015/16 season on loan with Sunderland, before returning to Russia and then moving back to France with Saint-Etienne at the start of 2018 to kick-start his career in Europe.
His time at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard is not expected to last much longer, however, as Les Verts are believed to be plotting out their summer transfer business and the 28-year-old could be on the chopping block.
If that turns out to be the case, L’Equipe note that he will not be short of potential suitors come the close season, as the Irons are not the only club said to be making moves to secure his services.
The likelihood of a transfer, however, relies heavily on Saint-Etienne’s manager Jean-Louis Gasset, as M’Vila is close to the 65-year-old, but his time at the helm is not thought to be secure.
Should the club and manager part ways at the end of the season, M’Vila is then thought to be more open to a move away from Les Verts, although how much that would set the successful bidder back is not clear.
TransferMarkt, for what its worth, value M’Vila at £9million, though, as he is a key member of the Ligue 1 outfits first-team, and has started all but one of their games this term – his only absence was down to a red card issued against Nantes.
His time with Sunderland, though, may put some fans off a move, as the Black Cats ended that season in 17th place, with M’Vila also starting all but one league games.
If Mario Husillos did go through with a transfer for the 22-cap international, however, the sly move would pay dividends for Pellegrini, as the 5 ft 9 mid has averaged two tackles per ninety minutes, two interceptions, and 2.3 clearances.
Those stats are all strong enough to make him a starter in East London, with Declan Rice the only first-team regular to achieve more tackles, while none of our central midfielders have more interceptions or clearances to date.
Unlike Gary Medel, who is heavily linked with a move to Stratford, M’Vila would also have a few more years left in the tank upon his arrival, rather than a 31-year-old coming to the end of his career.
