Arsenal have revived their interest in Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa after missing out on landing the versatile defender in the summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger managed to convince Montpellier to part with top scorer Olivier Giroud earlier this year and was also keen to secure the services of Mbiwa.

However, Montpellier managed to convince the 23-year-old to remain with the club and lead them in their first ever Champions League campaign. Having now been knocked out of the competition there is a feeling that Mbiwa may look to move to a bigger club.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa starred for Montpellier last season as they won the Ligue 1 title [Reuters]

The Metro believes that Wenger has continually asked his scouts to monitor Mbiwa again this season, and may now look to make a firm offer during the January transfer window.

Arsenal have shown a vulnerability in defence and currently find themselves down in 10<sup>th place after a nightmare start that represents their worst beginning to a season in 18 years.

Mbiwa would certainly be a useful player for Arsenal as he has the ability to play anywhere across the back four, while his leadership qualities have been clear for all to see as he led Montpellier to the Ligue 1 title last season.

Capped three times by France, Mbiwa has only ever represented the one club having come through the Montpellier youth system and forced his way into the side back in 2007 when he was just 18-years-old.

The powerful defender is currently contracted until the summer of 2015 but has refused to extend his deal and The Metro believes that Arsenal may be able to land him in a cut price deal.

Arsenal's frailties in defence have been highlighted this season and Wenger is keen to get rid of players who have not made the grade in Johan Djourou and Sebastian Squillaci.

With rumours emerging today that Bacary Sagna may also be looking to leave the club at the end of the season, there is a definite need for Wenger to bring in some new faces and improve his options.