Arsenal Steal March over Liverpool and Manchester United in Bid to Sign Yohan Cabaye

Arsenal have emerged favourites to sign Paris Saint-Germain's wantaway midfielder Yohan Cabaye in January, according to the Daily Express.

The midfielder has fallen out of favour with manager Laurent Blanc and is currently behind the likes of Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta, Javier Pastore and Blaise Matuidi in the pecking order. Adrian Rabiot's decision to sign a new contract will also add to the competition, which has forced Cabaye to look for other options, preferably in the Premier League.

Cabaye was subject to a bid from Arsene Wenger in 2013 but Alan Pardew refused to sell the French international in the summer, only to let him leave for a sizeable fee in January to the French Champions. Arsenal have returned in pursuit of the midfielder and have earmarked him as a like for like replacement for Mikel Arteta, who is ageing by the day and is unsuitable for a holding role for his lack of pace.

Mathieu Flamini has struggled to make a difference this season either, with Wenger now looking at a proper defensive midfielder who can break up attacks and also keep the ball ticking. Cabaye's experience with Newcastle has made him an ideal candidate and the Frenchman's desire to work with Wenger has quelled interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

United are looking at the midfielder as a cover for Michael Carrick, who has entered his thirties and is not the revered figure he once was in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. Louis van Gaal is looking to make a few additions to his squad in order to challenge for a top four spot, having finally gained some momentum in the league after two important wins over Hull City and Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also in the market for a cover to Steven Gerrard, who is currently 34 and is unable to balance the rigours of league and Champions League football simultaneously.