Arsenal tried to sign midfielder Stephane M'Bia, who has also been a target for Everton, but Rennes rejected the late bid from Arsene Wenger’s side this summer.

The Cameroon international had all summer, been keen on a move with several clubs including the Gunners and Toffees linked. However, the 22-year-old was not allowed by the French club to leave.

M'Bia is now hoping that a move materialises in January, but until then he has promised to give his best to his current side.

"Listen, I am a Rennes player, the [transfer] market will open in January and I will concentrate and do a good job for Rennes then, hopefully, come January we will see what happens," he told skysports.com.

"Everyone knows there are clubs that are after me, that is not new, Arsenal made contact in the last hours of the past market but the club did not want to let me go," he added.

"Rennes is looking to improve my pay, I have already decided to stay here against my wish, however everyone knows I want to move to the Premier League to improve myself and play in the biggest league in the world."