Mathieu Valbuena transfer news: Arsenal and Liverpool 'monitoring' French midfielder who is set to leave Marseille after the 2014 World Cup

France international looks certain to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer with reported interest coming from the Premier League

Mathieu Valbuena celebrates scoring for France against Switzerland (Getty Images)

France’s World Cup star Mathieu Valbuena looks certain to be on the hunt for a new club according to reports in France, with the Premier League said to be a favourable destination after he expressed a desire for a new challenge to his current club Marseille

Valbuena has been with the Ligue 1 side since 2006, making over 200 league appearances in a largely successful spell with the club. However, the 29-year-old is said to be keen on trying his hand at a new club, with French publication France Football reporting that his Marseille’s chiefs are unlikely to stand in his way.

The diminutive attacking midfielder, whose agility and movement is a key aspect of the threat he provides, is currently on international duty with France and has shone in the two opening Group E victories against Honduras and Switzerland.

The same report goes on to claim that Valencia, Fiorentina and Napoli are all interested in his services, but it is believed that both Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring the situation as they feel the France international would fit their style of play and provide high quality squad depth ahead of their respective Champions League campaigns.

With three years left to run on his current deal, Marseille are looking for around 8m euros to allow clubs to speak with Valbuena, although they may have to settle for less due to his large wage demands.

Arsenal got a good look at Valbuena last season after Marseille featured in the Champions League alongside the Gunners in Group F, with Arsenal securing 2-1 and 2-0 victories over their French counterparts as they managed to contain the livewire midfielder.