Matuidi signs new contract

St. Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi has signed a new contract with his club, extending his deal until 2012. It is believed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the player and looking to make a bid for the talent.

"I'm very happy and proud," said Matuidi. "It's a source of great satisfaction for me to be able to extend my deal with Saint-Etienne, which is – as I have always said – a big club."

Arsenal were looking to land the young Frenchman this January transfer window, but with a new deal signed and sealed, Wenger will turn his attentions to other targets.