Thursday, 6th September, 2012
Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has admitted that Arsenal and AC Milan made approaches for him in the summer transfer window – and he was ready to leave the Stade de la Mosson.
With just one year remaining on his contract with the French champions, a number of clubs pondered the possibility of buying the talented 23-year-old.
However, having already lost Olivier Giroud to Arsenal, being left powerless as the striker’s release clause was activated, Montpellier were not willing to allow another of their title-winning team to depart without a fight, regardless of his contract situation.
And so, Rene Girard’s men stood firm, in the face of interest from Arsene Wenger’s Gunners and Italian giants AC Milan.
"Arsenal made a tentative approach", Yanga-Mbiwa told French sports daily L’Equipe.
"But then there was something else. I was disappointed when I saw that I would not be going to AC Milan."
The defender further confirmed that at one point he felt he was leaving for Milan, but president Louis Nicollin dismissed the Rossoneri’s offer.
"The president told me that I had a good potential destination. I was ready to pack my bags. AC Milan came to me, but the president declined the offer.
"After that I realised that it would be complicated."
Nevertheless, Yanga-Mbiwa does not feel bitter about having had to stay at the Stade de la Mosson.
"The president, he is our employer, our patron, we should have respect for him.
"It is no use clashing with your club supremo."
Yanga-Mbiwa is set to have many options next summer, when his contract with Montpellier will have run out – if he does not pen an extension.
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