AS Roma are reportedly closing in on landing Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, who was also linked with a move to Arsenal this summer
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Steven N’Zonzi has agreed personal terms with AS Roma, who are inching closer to sealing a late move for the Sevilla midfielder. Arsenal were also interested in signing the 2018 World Cup winner, but have run out of time to secure his services.
N’Zonzi has taken his career to the next level since joining Sevilla from Stoke City in the summer of 2015. But, after three productive campaigns with the Andalusian club, the player is reportedly eager for a new challenge, with his success with France at the 2018 FIFA World Cup perhaps solidifying that stance.
That he was not even part of the matchday squad in the Spanish Super Cup has only strengthened the belief that N’Zonzi is set to depart from Sevilla, sooner rather than later. For much of the summer, the Frenchman was linked with Arsenal, who hold a long-standing interest in him. But, a few factors led to the Gunners being unable to land him.
Firstly, Unai Emery had already bolstered his holding midfield options by signing Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. Secondly, Arsenal had reportedly exhausted their budget for the summer, which restricted them in pursuit of other targets. Finally, with the transfer window now closed, the North Londoners stand no chance of signing N’Zonzi.
But, while Arsenal have had to concede defeat in pursuit of the 29-year-old, Sevilla still face an uphill battle to keep hold of him. AS Roma are interested in signing N’Zonzi, who could be an able replacement for Radja Nainggolan as the midfield enforcer.
With Daniele De Rossi in the twilight years of his career, the possible arrival of the former Arsenal target will also take off some of the burden from the AS Roma captain. Also, with N’Zonzi at the peak of his powers, it is unlikely that he will take long to settle at the Italian club.
The presence of N’Zonzi in the AS Roma midfield could also provide more freedom to other summer arrivals such as Bryan Cristante and Ante Coric. Sevilla are still eager to keep hold of the Frenchman, looking to fend off interest from the Italian outfit, just as they did with Arsenal.
But, they will likely have to resign themselves to losing their prizes asset, with the player’s father and agent Fidele N’Zonzi confirming that they are in talks with Roma. The Serie A club thus, look well placed to succeed where Arsenal couldn’t and land N’Zonzi this summer.
At a price of around £30 million, he isn’t too overpriced either, and it remains to be seen if the Italian giants are ready to shell out the sum to land their target man. The Giallorossi will have to work quickly though, with the Italian transfer window closing this week. Sevilla, on the other hand, will need to scour for replacements as well, with N’Zonzi set for a summer exit.
