Arsenal have received a huge boost in the pursuit of Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi amid reports that he handed in a transfer request.
The France international has been linked with the Gunners since the summer of 2017 and the speculation has only intensified with former Sevilla boss Unai Emery succeeding Arsene Wenger at the helm.
Earlier last month, Sevilla director of football Joaquin Caparros stressed that the Gunners may not sign N’Zonzi unless they trigger the £35m buy-out clause written into the contract but The Mail has now brought a fresh twist to the story.
As per the publication, the midfielder is said to have handed in a transfer request in order to seal a reunion with Emery in London and this may potentially tempt Sevilla to accept a cut-price worth £22m for his services.
Arsenal have focused on strengthening the defensive side of the game since the start of the summer and N’Zonzi would unquestionably be a top addition alongside Lucas Torreira, who is seemingly close to an Emirates move.
Despite this, there could be negatives related to the move, considering the arrival of the pair may hamper the gametime of one of Aaron Ramsey or Granit Xhaka.
Ramsey, in particular, has yet to extend his stay beyond the summer of 2019 and the next couple of weeks could give a clear indication on his future with the north London giants.
The Wales international is said to have been handed a fresh four-year extension at the Emirates with a significant wage rise but he has yet to commit his long-term future.
