West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu admits Arsenal interest in him

Youssouf Mulumbu

West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has claimed that he has had approaches from Arsenal, and is keen on a January transfer move to the club. Central midfielder Mulumbu is quoted in the Metro as saying that the time is right for a move to the Gunners, and that he believes that he is ready to join a top side. Later in the interview he claimed that current side West Brom are not “mature” or “professional” enough, citing lost points away at Chelsea as an example of such traits.

“I have had approaches from Arsenal,” said the 26-year-old midfielder.

“I could leave this winter. This is the right time for me to set my sights higher. I’m ready to join a top-four club.”

Further endearing himself to the Baggies faithful, Mulumbu is reported to have continued by saying:

“We are not professional enough in the way we manage our games – for example our draw at Chelsea. We are not mature enough.”

Mulumbu has impressed in England since arriving at the Hawthorns from Paris Saint Germain in 2008, and has yet to miss a minute for West Brom this season. Arsenal had been believed to be looking for competition for Mathieu Flamini in defensive midfield areas, although Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky have also both filled the defensive roles in recent weeks.

Only two midfield players have made more defensive actions than Mulumbu this season: Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace) and Steve Sidwell (Fulham).

The West Brom midfielder has also won 23 tackles, more than 9 Yaya Toure (14).

Defensive Actions 2013/14 Midfielders