Arsenal Transfer News: City Set to Rival Gunners for Rennes Star

Manchester City have emerged as Arsenal's chief rivals for Yann M'Vila, after ex-Gunner Patrick Viera revealed the Blues are interested in the Rennes midfielder.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been tracking the 21-year-old French international since the summer and had a bid of around £26m turned down in August, following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

However, ex-Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera, now City's football development executive, has said the Blues could trump the north London side's interest in the next transfer window.

"I think he could seize his opportunity in the French team. He seems to be level-headed," Vieira told Canal+.

"I like the image he is showing. But I am sure City is not the only club attracted by him."

Arsenal have been monitoring the 21-year-old defensive midfielder for over a year and M'Vila's Rennes teammate Kader Mangane believes the French international will leave the club in the summer transfer window.

"He might go to England but he also likes the Spanish league. I don't think he will leave in January but I think he will join Real Madrid or Arsenal next summer," Mangane told Goal.com.

"The top clubs are right to scout him as I see him with a big career in front of him. Yann has the potential to be one of the biggest players in the world."