Arsenal “have agreed” to pay €37m (£32.7m), and €3m (£2.6m) in bonuses for Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, according to El Gol Digital.
Rumour monger El Gol have been notoriously inaccurate with their reports on transfers, and it is wise to take this one with a huge pinch of salt, but the Spanish publication believe that a €40m (£35.3m) deal could be finalised when the January transfer window opens.
If we go by what Sevilla are saying though, it seems N’Zonzi’s departure is far from cut and dry. Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero (quotes via Le10 Sport), the La Liga club’s president Jose Castro believes the breakdown in the relationship between the the French international and the coaching staff is not irrevocable, but he is adamant the Spanish side won’t sell him for any less than the €40m release clause in his contract:
“The coaches do not count on him and we have to respect their work. The games are won with and without N’Zonzi. They also said that it was not an irreversible situation. Let’s hope so. Sell Steven N’Zonzi? He has two and a half years on his contract and a clause of €40m . His clause is one of the highest at the club and we will not fight him.”
N’Zonzi remains on the sidelines, and was not in the squad for Sevilla’s 5-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the weekend.
