Arsenal’s need for a good defensive midfielder has been well known all season. Since failing to replace Alex Song after his move to Barcelona their frailties in that area of the pitch have been highlighted like never before.
Since missing out on Jeremy Toulalan this week, Wenger is believed to be stepping up his interest in the 20-year-old Frenchman in a bid to buy cheaply from the cash strapped Primera Division side and develop him into a world class star in the same way he has done so many times before.
Kondogbia arrived in Spain just last summer, signing on from French side Lens, and has impressed during his short time in southern Spain. He has so far made 40 appearances and scored once.
His powerful displays and mature approach has belied his young years, and with Sevilla’s economic crisis getting no better it’s thought that they could pick him up for as little as £7.6 million. Arsene Wenger has money to burn this time around and won’t want to risk facing the wrath of fans as he has done in previous seasons by missing out on a genuine talent.