Arsenal start transfer battle with Liverpool for French player of year

Lyon midfielder and French international Florent Malouda has been a target for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for some time now, but the failure to secure a deal has left the door open for Arsenal who are looking to secure the player’s services.

Speculation of a move to Liverpool heated up when the player was quoted as saying:

"People make their decisions based on the different leagues in different countries but I would rather decide based on the club. And Liverpool, why not? It is a great club."-Malouda

But it appears now that Arsenal are planning to hijack Liverpool's bid to sign the 27 year old. It appears that Malouda’s move to Anfield has stalled over personal terms. Arsenal appear to be preparing a 10m pound bid that would take him from the French champions Lyon to Arsenal.

In addition to being voted player of the year, beating out Johan Elmander, Seydou Keita, and Abdul Kader Keita, he was also voted the players' player of the year in France after an impressive World Cup and bringing Lyon a sixth consecutive league title. Arsene Wenger senses the need to make a move since Arsenal's interest in Franck Ribery is no more as he appears to be signing his contract with Bayern Munich today. It’s important enough that it’s reported Wenger is handling the negotiations himself.

Should Liverpool fail in the bid, they can only have themselves to blame as the door to seal the transfer has been open literally for weeks.