Villarreal: move over big boys, I too can land starlet

Rio Mavuba from Bordeaux is set to leave France for Spain and sign for Villareal as the player left pre-season training to negotiate with the club. The 23 year old midfielder has been heavily linked all summer to top clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus but is headed to Spain in an 8m pound steal.

Mavuba will sign a four-year deal at El Madrigal. After four years at Bordeaux, is prepared for a bigger league and should have seen the switch last season. He’s a very talented defensive midfielder and has been slowly building his place within the French national side. He’s opted for Villareal because he’ll get first team football regularly. Apparently he’s very concerned with his ability to place for France and doesn’t want to risk being off the team sheet at United or Arsenal.

The young Frenchman of Angolan decent will join former French international Robert Pires at the club, who left Arsenal last season after rejecting a one year contract.

For Villareal this would make it five new arrivals and six players departing the club for the new look team.