Arsenal 'agree' £35m deal for Sevilla star

Spanish publication 'Gol' reports that the 'Gunners' have agreed a £35.3m deal for Sevilla's towering midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, with the move expected to go through when the transfer window opens in January.

N'Zonzi has a £35.2m release clause in his contract and has fallen out of favour in Andalusia in recent weeks after allegedly being singled out a half-time in the 3-3 Champions League draw with Liverpool last month.

'The coach pointed the finger at me [at half-time of the Liverpool game]. I will not repeat it... but his words affected me,' N'Zonzi told 'France Football' recently.  

'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.' 

The 28-year-old has made his mind up that he wants to leave the club and Arsenal are thought to have leapfrogged Juventus and Everton in the race to sign the midfielder, who already boasts Premier League experience from his time at both Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.

Arsenal are thought to have agreed a fee of £32.7m up-front, with a further £2.6m in add-ons.