Various sources in Spain are claiming that Arsenal has agreed on a deal to sign Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi. A report claims that the Gunners have settled on a fee of £35.3m with Sevilla with regards to the signature of the midfielder. Another report has suggested that the former Premier League star has a buy-out clause of £35.2m which Arsene Wenger has decided to match in order to secure his services when the transfer window opens next month. Apparently, the Gunners have agreed to a package that will include an initial payment of £32.7m, plus an added to £2.6m in bonuses for the Frenchman’s services.
N’Zonzi has already made his intentions clear about a possible departure in January following his substitution at half-time in their Champions League match against Liverpool on November 21. The former Blackburn midfielder has not featured for the La Liga outfit since then and has confirmed reports claiming that he had a bust-up with Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo at half-time and it is understood that their relationship is beyond repair. In a recent interview with France Football, the 28-year-old said,
‘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 Seville has given rise to all kinds of rumours and speculations linking him with a move to a whole host of clubs which include the likes of Everton and Juventus, along with the Gunners. However, it appears that Arsene Wenger has now won the race to secure the former Stoke City midfielder’s services.
He will definitely improve the North Londoners’ midfield and will add an aerial threat to this Gunners’ team. His previous experience in Premier League football with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City will help him settle in quickly as Arsene Wenger’s men prepare themselves to make a push for the top 4 places in order to secure Champions League football next season.
