Sevilla director of football Joaquin Caparros has reportedly clarified that the club won’t sanction the sale of Steven N’Zonzi this summer unless his release clause is triggered.
The France international has been touted as one among the prime targets for Unai Emery since his arrival at the Emirates but the Gunners will have to activate his £35m escape clause in order to have any chance of acquiring his services.
In an interview with Radio Seville, Caparros stressed that Sevilla are not willing to hold any transfer negotiations regarding N’Zonzi and only triggering the clause would witness the Frenchman’s exit from the Andalusian club.
“Is that a rumour or is it true? Has Unai Emery called you? Well, as a successful man, Unai Emery knows what line the club keeps,” he said.
“If he wants N’Zonzi, he will have to call and put the bid in. And the bid is the clause. If you put that bid in, then there are no more negotiations [over the fee].”
Arsenal have opened up their transfer business for the summer with the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer and this could soon be followed by the arrival of Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
In a recent report, the Greek’s father has already confirmed his son’s decision to join Arsenal over Manchester United and the move is likely to be finalised before the end of the week.
Regardless of this, the club are in need of a solid enforcer in the centre of the park and N’Zonzi is someone who can produce a sense of calm in front of the defenders.
During his time in Seville, N’Zonzi has improved on his overall passing to coordinate with his strong ability in the air and he could be the perfect fit alongside Granit Xhaka, though that may pose questions over the future of Jack Wilshere, in particular.
The Englishman has yet to reach an agreement over a new contract beyond June and his meeting with Unai Emery in the coming days may ultimately decide his Emirates future.
