If Arsenal come back for Cabaye, Wenger will have summer wait

Newcastle may have lost 1-0 to Arsenal, but the performance of Yohan Cabaye will have done little to change Arsene Wenger’s mind that the French midfielder would be a superb signing.

Despite being on the away side in the Emirates clash, no player on the pitch provided more key passes, more crosses, more accurate long balls or more accurate through balls than Cabaye, while only match winner Olivier Giroud had more shots.

Wenger reportedly had a £10m offer rebuffed by Newcastle for Cabaye over the summer and the latest reports indicate that it will take nearer double this sum if Alan Pardew is to be tempted into selling the 27-year-old.

After all, Newcastle have failed to win any of the last three games that Cabaye hasn’t started and triumphed in only one of the five Premier League matches he has missed this season.

This is in comparison to victories in almost two-thirds of those that Cabaye has started.

Although Arsenal are certainly not short of options in the central midfield department, the fact that Cabaye would be able to play in the Champions League represents a big reason why he would be a useful acquisition.

However, the Gunners may have to wait until the summer if they are to finally get success in their pursuit, as a gentleman’s agreement is said to be in place between Cabaye and Newcastle, indicating that he will see out this season with the club.

Meanwhile, although Mike Ashley has his doubters, Newcastle have never truly allowed their best players to leave unless there was a contract clause or a transfer bid substantially inflating the estimated price of a player was submitted.

It would probably take in the region of £25m to £30m to place Cabaye in this price bracket as he is Newcastle’s most creative influence.

Interestingly, not only does Cabaye shoot more per game than any other Newcastle player on average this season, but he also provides the most interceptions.

After Arsenal’s victory over Newcastle, which ensures they will enter 2014 at the top of the table, the Gunners are now 9/2 to win the Premier League.