Last Updated: Mon, 21 Jan 2013 03:14
Arsenal are ready to hijack Newcastle's bid to sign Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, reports have claimed.
The Magpies are closing in on the defender and are thought to have agreed a fee in region of £6.7million with the French side, but the Gunners could now nip in with a late bid.
Arsene Wenger has also been tracking the player for some time and could be ready to make a late move, news which would not go down well at St James' Park.
The Magpies have been pipped at the post once already this window after Queens Park Rangers won the race for Loic Remy and Alan Pardew will be praying it does not happen again.
The 23-year-old, who can play at right-back, centre-half or in the centre of midfield, has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract but looks to be heading to the Premier League this month.
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