Arsene Wenger reveals failed attempt to sign Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila

Arsene Wenger has revealed he was interested in buying Yann M'Vila when he was playing for Rennes.

The French midfielder is currently on loan at Sunderland from Rubin Kazan and has featured in all but one of the Black Cats' league games so far this term.

And Wenger, who is on the lookout for a defensive midfielder this January, says he was close to bringing M'Villa to the Emirates a few years ago.

"We were interested in him when he was in France and the year we wanted to bring him in, Rennes did not want to sell," Wenger said.

"He had a few off-the-field problems but it looks like now he's stabilised and he's of course a very good player who is a regular player in the national team in France."