• Premier League

Valbuena set to reject Arsenal advances

ESPN staff
May 29, 2012
Mathieu Valbuena will feature for France at Euro 2012 © Getty Images
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France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has confirmed that he intends to remain at Marseille this summer, despite reported interest from Arsenal.

Valbuena, 27, was one of the few Marseille players to emerge with credit from a disappointing season which saw the traditional powerhouse finish in 10th position in Ligue 1.

A long-time target for Arsenal, Valbuena has two years remaining on his current contract in France and insists he has no plans to leave the club this summer.

"I will remain faithful. I did not want to leave the club like that, finishing 10th. I am very much attached to the club. It's hard to leave. There are disadvantages to that but benefits too," Valbuena told L'Equipe.

"Even without the Champions League next season can be exciting. At Marseille we cannot talk about transitionary seasons, but there is everything to succeed. I feel good even if that is a bit contradictory with the season we have just had."

Valbuena has been included in France's 23-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

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