Could Blaise Matuidi shore up the Arsenal midfield?

If Arsenal learned anything from their nightmare in Barcelona it must have been that they need a ball-winner in midfield who can stop opponents passing their way into the box, and that Abou Diaby is not (yet) that man.

But according to the website insidefutbol Arsene Wenger is already on the case and has identified tough tackling defensive midfielder Blaise Matuidi as the man for the job.

The 23-year-old Angola-born French international has excelled in Ligue 1 for Saint-Etienne this season and has attracted the attentions of Newcastle as well as the Gunners.

To make things even more interesting the player has a release clause built into his contract, and although the exact amount needed to trigger it is not known Insidefutbol speculates that it is within the Gunners means.

It is not the first time that Matuidi has cropped up on the Arsenal radar, scout Gilles Grimandio watched him during the 2008/9 season and gave a favourable report to Wenger. Maybe now he will be inspired to move.

Contrary to reports in the more hysterical sections of the press last week, French defender Philippe Mexes has not ruled out a move to the Premier League. The 28-year-old, currently with Serie A outfit Roma, was linked with a move to AC Milan at the end of this season when his existing contract expires but, according to Talksport, Mexes has made no decision yet as to where he might end up next season.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all believed to have tracked the progress of Mexes in recent months with the Gunners reputedly close to making an offer in January's transfer window. "I have many offers, but I will not decide my future until the season ends," says Mexes, adding with the modesty for which the French are known: "At the moment, I could go to any of the major leagues in the world, but I have to weigh up many things when I make my decision."

The central defender was sent off during Roma's defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in Tuesday's Champions League encounter so if Mexes does arrive at the Emirates at least he'll have something in common with Robin van Persie.

The Spanish press, having gloated over Barcelona's lucky win against Arsenal with the immodesty for which the Spanish are known, also find time to report that Brazilian midfielder Kaka could soon be leaving Real Madrid for Manchester City.

According to AS, Real boss Jose Mourinho wants to offload the 28-year-old midfielder in the summer, believing the time is right to cash in on the player before Old Father Time comes calling. Kaka has been usurped in the Real starting line-up this season by German sensation Mesut Ozil and injuries have also taken their toll, two factors that have influenced Mourinho's decision.

However, AS claims Real will demand that the Sky Blues (or perhaps Chelsea, who are also rumoured to be interested) pay in excess of £20m. In addition, Kaka currently earns £7m a season after tax and is said to be reluctant to take a pay cut wherever he might end up.

In other news, the Daily Mail says that French club Paris Saint-Germain have been in touch with Manchester City about their England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Apparently PSG will offer the Sky Blues £4m for the 29-year-old who has only made five appearances this season in the Premier League.

Wright-Phillips, who has won 36 England caps since making his debut against the Ukraine in 2004, put in a transfer request in January in the hope of moving to Fulham but City turned him down. The chance of making a tidy £4m for a player who's failed to fulfill the early potential he showed at Chelsea might persuade City to sell. ·