Etienne Capoue Move to Arsenal Dismissed as ‘Impossible’

The International Business Times understands Toulouse have no intention of selling Etienne Capoue in the near future despite mounting interest from Arsenal.

Reports on Wednesday morning claimed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saw the 23-year-old as a more financially viable option to primary target, Rennes talisman Yann M'Vila.

The aforementioned France international is valued in excess of £25 million and has also been coveted by Manchester United and Liverpool, but initial reports suggest Arsene Wenger has no intention of embroiling Arsenal in a bidding war with his Premier League counterparts.

The Emirates chief has allegedly been exploring an array of possible alternatives to M'Vila, and Capoue, who is enjoying an excellent season for Toulouse thus far, is one of a number of names apparently on a shortlist of players currently being compiled by the long serving Arsenal boss.

Despite recent speculation purporting to Arsenal's interest in Capoue, a source close to the France Under-21 international told The International Business Times that a move to the Premier League in the near future "was impossible".

The source dismissed Arsenal's alleged interest as "just rumour" and added that Toulouse had absolutely no intention of selling one of their emerging stars.

Arsenal were reported to be willing to offer £10 million to the Ligue 1 club but the aforementioned source indicated a move to Arsenal had not been discussed with Toulouse and a transfer was not on the player's agenda at this juncture in his career.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who can also play in defence, has scored three goals in 11 games this season but is currently out for a month with a head injury he sustained in training.