Sky Sports reporter Guillem Balague has dismissed the speculation linking Steven N’Zonzi with a potential move to the Emirates during the winter transfer window.
The France international has been training from his fellow teammates with his relationship at a new low with Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo.
In a Q&A session, Balague revealed that the Andalusian outfit are aiming to cash in on the former Stoke City man, and they could accept a package below his €40m release clause in the New Year. According to Sky Sports, he said:
“The situation with Steven N’Zonzi is that Sevilla want to sell him. There was fall-out between Eduardo Berizzo and N’Zonzi, and Berizzo does not want him to return. He is not willing to let him return to the line-up – Pizarro is doing well in his position but this is mainly a discipline issue.”
“Sevilla want to sell him, he’s got a buy-out clause of €40m and they will accept between €30m and €35m.”
“However, I understand Arsenal are not interested as they feel it would add to what they already have. At this moment in time, Sevilla have no received an offer for him.”
N’Zonzi had been spotted in the English capital earlier in the month, but Balague stressed that the Frenchman had visited to see his son rather than discuss a potential move to the Emirates. He added:
“He’s been seen in London but that’s because his son lives in London, he doesn’t have to go to London to strike a deal with anyone, but it’s understandable why the links with Arsenal have emerged.”
Arsene Wenger’s side have been associated with a deal for the midfielder since the summer, but Balague dismissed the chances of any agreement happening as they already have players of a similar caliber.
Granit Xhaka, in particular, has produced a couple of average performances at the centre of the park, but it appears that Wenger is unlikely to add another enforcer in the upcoming transfer window.
Both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are yet to commit their respective futures beyond next summer, but the club are said to be working out a way to commit at least one of the pair to a long-term contract.
