Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Stephane Mbia

Stephane Mbia

Club – QPR

Age – 27

Height – 189cm

Weight – 82kg

League Apps – 29

Value - £4-5m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.6 (76)	2.7 (78)	1.8 (51)	0.5 (14)	0.4 (13)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
0.7 (20)	1.2 (34)	1.1 (31)	82.7	0.1 (4/6)

“Are you serious”?

“That bloke who just got relegated with QPR, no thanks”.

Speculation linking Arsenal with Mbia has not just been a one off so far this summer. Genuine interest seems to be there from Wenger, as I seem to remember Arsenal being linked with Mbia before he made his cash fuelled move to West London.

Mbia is capable of playing both Central Midfield and Centre Back as we saw last season for QPR. Not sure we should be judging Mbia’s ability on a poor season for QPR, but on what I’ve seen of the guy he would not be someone I’d look to.

You may remember Mbia being sent off for QPR at the Emirates earlier on last season, after kicking out at Vermaelen. Mbia isn’t exactly the greatest passer of a ball either, but offers lots of energy in the middle of the park, plus the versatility of being able to play both in midfield and defence.

Verdict – Personally not a fan of Mbia, he has obvious disciplinary issues and simply not good enough a player for the role we need at the club.