Newcastle United and Arsenal aren't just battling for a Champions League finish but also for Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, according to The Daily Mail. The versatile 6 tall defender who can play across the back four turns 23 next month and has caught the eye of the Premier League elite for his rich vein of form that has seen Montpellier climb to 2 points clear of Paris Saint Germain, with 6 games left to play in the league. Mapou is valued in the £5-7 million range and has played 175 times for his club, scoring four goals. Both Newcastle and Arsenal have looked vulnerable at the back this season. United haven't recovered from the loss of Steven Taylor and rely on Fabricio Coloccini too much to get The Magpies out of danger, whilst Arsenal's big money purchase of Per Mertesacker has been a failure over his lack of pace. Mapou has represented the French U21's on 8 occasions but was actually born in Bangui, Central African Republic. He has been with Montpellier since 2006 when he was 17. However last December he did reveal that he was hoping to make a move to England; People live for football in England, and that is what I want to experience. Ill see what offers I get, but English football is incredible. There is more physical contact than in France, but I like that it suits my style of play. And back in January when Newcastle's interest in the player was first revealed, he said; Newcastle are interested? Well it means my performances have crossed the country. My dream league has always been the Premier League, so you never know. But for me if Montpellier have to agree a fee with a team, then who knows? But I would love to play one day in England.