Adil Rami spent five seasons with French outfit Lille from 2006 to 2011, and after winning the league and cup double in his final season with the Mastiffs, he chose to join Spanish club Valencia in a deal estimated to be in the range of €6–10 million.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar debut season at The Mestalla, making 33 appearances in the league and helping the club to a third-placed finish behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. He also helped to keep 15 clean sheets in the league as well as score six goals in all competitions.
However, Valencia are currently fifth in the table, with two points separating them from 4th placed surprise package, Real Sociedad. They face a real fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League with Real Betis also in the reckoning, just two points behind Valencia.
But, it is believed that the Frenchman will leave the club at the end of the season, even if the Spanish outfit finish 4th. His contract is set to expire at the end of next season and Valencia could well cash on him this summer since the central defender is eyeing a move away from the club.
According to talkSPORT, he would like to play football for a bigger club. He said, “I need to play for a big European club.”
Arsene Wenger is known to pluck top talent from his native France and has earmarked a move for the French defender to add more steel to his backline. Arsenal captain Vermaelen has suffered a loss of form this season with Wenger recently starting Mertesacker and Koscielny in central defence.
However, Arsenal will have to fight off any interest from big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala, who are also interested in securing the player’s services. It is believed that a bid in the region of £10 million will be enough for Valencia to part with their centre-back.
Arsenal are, however, favourites since the former Lille player admitted his desire to play for a big European club. If the deal does go through, could Rami finally solve Arsenal’s defensive woes?