Arsenal Defensive Target Admits Manchester Dream

Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-M'Biwa has been quoted as saying he would prefer to play for Premier League leaders Manchester United, should he ever move to England. The 23-year-old French international has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Serie A side AC Milan in the summer, according to the Mirror.

"My dream is to play with the shirt of Manchester United in a match in Old Trafford. My favourite club is United without doubt. When I sleep I dream of scoring a decisive goal with my head at a corner. That would be very beautiful," the versatile defender revealed.

M'Biwa also claimed, in an earlier report by Metro, that he turned down Arsene Wenger's earlier advances in favour of a move to Milan and the San Siro. Unfortunately, Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin was reluctant to sell his star and the Central African Republic-born defender was forced to stay at the Ligue 1 club.

The youngster has been a key member of the French champions' first team in recent seasons, starting over 30 league games in each of the last three terms. That has continued this year, with 14 starts from the 19 games played so far. He was selected in France's preliminary squad for the 2012 European Championships but former coach Laurent Blanc omitted him from the final squad.

News of a second rejection will disappoint Wenger, who is likely to lose compatriot and right back Bacary Sagna in the summer, after contract extension talks continue to stall. And, in addition to the 29-year-old international's absence, the poor form of Brazil left-back Andre Santos means Wenger is short of defensive cover on his flanks.

M'Biwa's declaration will please Sir Alex Ferguson, though. The Old Trafford club do have considerable defensive concerns, particularly at left-back. Veteran French international Patrice Evra is 31 years old and his age is beginning to affect his performances. Dutch youngster Alexander Buttner, signed in the summer, has failed to impress the Scot, meaning a move for M'Biwa (assuming the £15m move for Everton defender Leighton Baines, fails) may happen.