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Arsenal trying to thrash out deal to sign £30m star as Emery eyes 6th summer signing

By on July 24, 2018

According to the Sun, Arsenal are trying to thrash out a cut-price deal to sign Steven N’Zonzi as we’re reluctant to meet the £30m release clause in his Sevilla contract.

Unai Emery has already snapped-up five new signings since replacing Arsene Wenger with goalkeeper Bernd Leno, right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner and centre-back Sokratis arriving alongside midfield duo Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi.

However, with Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla both leaving this summer it seems Emery is still in the market for another central midfielder and speculation suggests he’s looking for an imposing presence to play alongside 5ft 6in Torreira this season.

N’Zonzi fits the bill perfectly and widespread reports in recent weeks have suggested we’re in talks with Sevilla over a deal to sign the 6ft 5in French international and he’s admitted he’s keen to seek a fresh challenge.

But money is tight at the Emirates as Emery has already blown his original £70m budget so the boss is having to be prudent with any further signings during the closing stages of the window.

We’re trying to offload some of fringe players to raise extra funds but the Sun claims Arsenal chiefs are hoping to drive N’Zonzi’s price-tag down after refusing to meet his £30m release clause.

The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract so Sevilla may feel it’s best to cash-in now before his value drops in 12 months time while the newspaper says N’Zonzi’s father – who’s also his agent – has handed in a transfer request to force a move.

If true, this could persuade the La Liga outfit to sell and I think N’Zonzi would be a great addition to our squad as he’d certainly add a physical presence in the middle of the park – which is something we’ve lacked in recent years.

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Emery obviously knows him well as they spent two years together at Sevilla and N’Zonzi also has experience in the Premier League following spells at Blackburn and Stoke so I think he’d be a top signing if we could get a deal agreed.