Rumour: Arsenal & Liverpool target Mathieu Valbuena can leave in the summer

Marseille interim coach Jose Anigo has given the green light for former Arsenal and Liverpool target Mathieu Valbuena to leave the club, in a move that is likely to spark interest in the midfielder from the Premier League. Anigo told Le10Sport that the club won’t force the player to stay and that he can leave if the money is right.

Valbuena is under contract at Marseille until 2017, but currently looks unlikely to see that through.

“If we received a good offer, we won’t force him to stay. He has given a lot to our club so if he wants to he can leave,” said Anigo.

Valbuena joined Marseille in 2006 from fellow French side Libourne and is approaching the end of his ninth year at the club. The diminutive midfield player, who stands at just 5 ft 6, has been perennially linked with Arsenal over the years, although a move to The Emirates would see him compete with a clutch of other players in his position.

However Liverpool have also reportedly been interested in the Frenchman, who has made 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season, and their well-publicised need to add depth to their squad could see them rekindle their interest in the 29 year old.