The January transfer window is fast approaching, and with it comes transfer rumours.
The latest news coming from Arsenal is that they have agreed a £35.3 million deal for Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, according to reports in Spain.
El Gol suggests that a deal has been struck for the former Stoke man, who has a buy-out clause in his existing contract with Sevilla of £35.2 million, and could be finalised during the January transfer window. The Spanish publication claim that the Gunners will stump up an initial £32.7 million and a further £2.6 million in add-ons.
N’Zonzi has made it clear he wants to leave Sevilla in January and has been left out of the squad since being subbed during the club’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League on November 21st.
The French midfielder has also confirmed that he had a bust-up with the Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo at half-time and their relationship is now strained and reportedly beyond repair.
The 28-year-old told France Football at the time:
‘The coach pointed the finger at me [at half-time of the Liverpool game]. I will not repeat it… but his words affected me,’
‘Publicly, he said in future he would only select players who fit his vision for football. What does that mean?
‘Whether in a 4-3-3, 3-5-2 or any other formation, a player must adapt to what his coach demands and I have always done it.
‘The fact I was always professional despite the circumstances, that I always did my job, I found it unfair.
‘My future is clearly away from Seville. The only thing that disappoints me is the way it has ended.’
N’Zonzi’s situation at Sevilla could now see growing interest in his services from a host of clubs around Europe, with the Daily Mail citing Juventus, Arsenal and Everton as possible destinations this January.
