Monaco could look to beat Liverpool to the signing of Valbuena

The 29-year-old has been with Marseille since 2006 and has often been linked with moves to bigger clubs, with Arsenal known to be another Premier League club keen on his talents.

However, Liverpool's search for a creative midfield player has seen them step up their interest of late, though they may now miss out on their target as big-spending Monaco are also looking at him.

Claudio Ranieri's side have made several big-name signings in recent history, bringing the likes of Radamel Falcao and Joao Moutinho to the club this summer, and with further spending looking likely.

It remains to be seen if Valbuena would favour a move abroad for a new challenge, or if the money on offer at Monaco could sway his decision.

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Benitez 'proud' despite Champions League exit

Rafa Benitez insists he remains proud of his players, even though they failed to advance into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Partenopei defeated Arsenal 2-0 in their final Group F fixture but despite finishing level on points with both Borussia Dortmund and the Gunners, they became the first team in the history of the tournament to bow out having amassed 12 points.

Consequently, Benitez says his side have no reason to feel ashamed of their early elimination from Europe's premier club cup competition.

"We picked up 12 points, beat Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund but still didn't qualify," the 53-year-old told Sky Sports.

"But everyone should be proud of these guys, we have put in a tremendous effort.

"Today we have seen on the pitch that there is a project going on here, and this team is growing."

The Spaniard also said he would be keen to see some new faces arrive during the January transfer window.

"We want to strengthen over time, so we will be looking at players of a particular age and ability that fit in with what we are trying to create," the former Liverpool boss explained.

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Marseille vs Arsenal / LINE UPS

Marseille injuries and suspensions

Out: None. In doubt: Souleymane Diawara (thigh).

Arsenal injuries and suspensions

Out: Santi Cazorla (ankle), Tomáš Rosický (thigh), Abou Diaby (knee), Mikel Arteta (thigh), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (back). In doubt: Per Mertesacker (virus), Olivier Giroud (knee), Mesut Özil (illness).

Projected lineups

Marseille: Steve Mandanda; Jérémy Morel, Lucas Mendes, Nicolas N'Koulou, Rod Fanni; Gianelli Imbula, Alaixys Romao; Dimitri Payet, Mathieu Valbuena, André Ayew; André-Pierre Gignac

Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna; Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini; Jack Wilshere, Mesut Özil, Theo Walcott; Olivier Giroud

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France

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