Arsenal rival Porto for midfielder

Following the arrival of Krystian Bielik and the “50-50” chance of bringing Villarreal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista to north London, it appears Arsene Wenger is looking to a potential third signing this January.

According to a report in Foot Mercato, Arsenal are interested in signing Ligue 1 outfit Metz’s midfielder Yeni N’Gbakoto, along with previous Champions League winners FC Porto.

N’Gbakoto, who has spent all of his professional career with Metz, is extremely versatile having played as right-midfielder, right-winger, central attacking-midfielder and even as a striker during the current campaign.

All of the positions that the 22-year-old can be deployed in, though, aren’t necessarily ones that Arsenal need to strengthen – although you can’t underestimate just how important versatility is.

Perhaps Le Professeur has another role in mind for the former French U-18 international? After all, Calum Chambers wasn’t considered a cente-back or defensive-midfielder before moving to the Emirates from Southampton.

N’Gbakoto has made 13 starts for Metz so far this season and has scored four goals for the club who are setting perilously close to the relegation zone.