Arsenal and Barcelona have reportedly been made aware that they will have to shell out at least €40 million in order to sign Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.
According to Goal, Sevilla are prepared to listen to offers for Steven N’Zonzi. The French midfielder has been drawing the attention of Arsenal and Barcelona recently. And the report iterates that the La Liga club are ready to do a deal for the former Premier League star, if they receive a bid of at least €40 million.
Steven N’Zonzi had managed to reignite his career since moving from Blackburn to Stoke City. But, he has finally realised his true potential at Sevilla. The player has managed to bag a Europa League medal. But, the biggest achievement has been him being a part of the World Cup winning squad for France in 2018.
With the midfielder now set to return to club football, there has been a resounding interest in N’Zonzi’s services. Arsenal and Barcelona are said to be interested in adding the player to their respective squads.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Frenchman. The player was one of the stars linked to the club in the previous summer transfer window, with rumours resurfacing in January as well. The Gunners though, have already signed Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira to beef up their midfield.
But, Unai Emery still wants an experienced head in the middle of the park to give direction to and calm the likes of Guendouzi and Torreira. The fact that the Frenchman has worked under Emery at Sevilla is also an added connection that adds weight behind the rumour.
Barcelona, on the other hand, know well enough that they need a flexible midfielder in the squad. Arthur’s arrival will unlikely be able to mitigate the loss of the genius that is Andres Iniesta. Sergio Busquets doesn’t seem anywhere near his old self, as was evidenced by his display for Spain at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
N’Zonzi provides fluidity in midfield, something that will be necessary for Barcelona going ahead. The midfielder is a brilliant target for both Barcelona and Arsenal. N’Zonzi has experience of playing in England and Spain and would add steel to whichever midfield he ends up being a part of for the season(s) ahead.
Arsenal and Barcelona are both unlikely to cede their interest due to the €40 million price tag. With two years left on his Sevilla contract, the clubs would be looking to drop the price to a reasonable level, considering that the midfielder is already 29.
Sevilla seem prepared to lose the holding midfielder, having signed Ibrahim Amadou from Lille. We expect N’Zonzi to be on the move. The destination though, is something that will become clear in due time.
