Arsenal Transfer News: Sebastian Rode Admits Gunners Interest as Cabella is Looked at as Alternative to Ben Arfa

Feb 15, 2013 04:00 AM EST

With defensive midfielders very much in season at Arsenal, the latest to be linked with a move to the Emirates is German starlet Sebastian Rode.

Arsenal are in the market for a screening midfielder in the summer, and have already been heavily linked with moves for Etienne Capoue of Toulouse and Victor Wanyama of Celtic.

While those names look like good possible buys from Arsenal's aspect, Rode also fits that bill perfectly.

The 22-year-old has impressed all in the Bundesliga with his performances this season for Eintracht Frankfurt, who have been the surprise packages this season and currently lie fourth in the table.

Rode will only have a year remaining on his current deal with Frankfurt at the end of the season, and Arsenal are ready to take advantage by swooping for the midfielder, who will reportedly only cost around £6 million ($9 million), according to reports in Germany.

Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested in the youngster, with Rode acknowledging Arsenal's interest in him.

"The interest is known to me," Rode said. "I'll keep my feet on the ground and not start dreaming.

"Eintracht Frankfurt and I have agreed to postpone the talks so I can concentrate on my football."

Tottenham reportedly had a summer bid turned down at the beginning of the season, but now Arsenal are thought to be the frontrunners for the midfielder's signature.

Meanwhile, another player that the Gunners have been linked with is Montpellier playmaker Remy Cabella.

Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi, who is also a former Gunner, has been closely monitoring the progress of the midfielder and Arsenal could be ready to make a summer bid.

While the Guners haven't made an official bid as yet, they have made "discreet inquiries" according to Le 10.

Cabella is reportedly seen as the cheaper alternative to Newcastle playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa, who is likely to cost a lot more than the Montpellier man.

While Ben Arfa has impressed everyone with his performances for Newcastle in the English Premier League, over the past couple of seasons, Cabella was eye-catching in the couple of Champions League ties against Arsenal, and clearly stood out over another Arsenal target Younnes Belhanda.

The fact that Olivier Giroud is already at the Emirates, might further enhance the chances of completing a deal, although when it comes to the French game, Wenger does not really need to much help.

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