£35m-rated midfielder keen on Unai Emery reunion

Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi is reported to have handed in a transfer request in order to push through a move to Arsenal during the ongoing transfer window. The 29-year-old has been a key contributor for the Andalusian outfit over the past three seasons and his performances have been rewarded with a spot in France’s World Cup squad.
Despite this, the former Stoke City man is understood to be eyeing a return to the Premier League and The Sun claims that a reunion with new Gunners boss Unai Emery could be on the cards.
Arsenal have constantly been linked with N’Zonzi since his switch to Sevilla but they have nevertheless been reluctant to make an approach with the Spanish club clarifying that they would not accept any fee lesser than the player’s £35m release clause.
As such, the north London outfit have tended to place their focus elsewhere to bolster the midfield and they have of late been heavily linked with a move for Sampdoria enforcer Lucas Torreira.
The 22-year-old is presently with the Uruguayan national team at the summer World Cup in Russia but there are suggestions that the Gunners have already begun talks with his current employers regarding a deal worth £26m.
Meanwhile, the player’s father has hinted that a medical should be scheduled shortly his son’s return from the World Cup and the move appears pretty much certain, barring any late hurdles.
Emery has largely focused on improving the midfield and defensive departments during the first month of the transfer window but there has also been movement behind the scenes in terms of player contracts.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Calum Chambers have already agreed long-term contracts with the Capital outfit in recent weeks and the priority may now lie on committing Aaron Ramsey to a similar extension.
The Wales international was the Gunners’ stand out performer last season with 12 goals and a further nine assists across all competitions (whoscored) and the club are keen to prolong his stay beyond the summer of 2019.