- Arsenal reach £35.3m agreement with Sevilla for N’Zonzi, as per report
- Frenchman will arrive in the January transfer window
- Midfielder would bolster key area of squad which has long been criticised
- READ MORE: Arsene Wenger shows support for rival Jose Mourinho after Manchester derby controversy
Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a January signing as they’re said to have agreed on a fee for Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.
The Gunners have long been criticised for not bringing in a midfield leader, in the same ilk as their successful former captain Patrick Vieira.
While that’s not to suggest that N’Zonzi is as good as his compatriot or will be, the 28-year-old has the characteristics required to be a real presence in the Arsenal midfield and has been linked with a move.
According to El Gol, as re-reported by The Mirror, it appears as though the north London giants are edging ever closer to signing him, as it’s claimed that a £35.3m fee has been agreed upon between the clubs.
Having enjoyed a successful stint with Sevilla, which includes winning the Europa League in 2016, the Frenchman will arrive with a wealth of experience at a high level, while he can also boast playing in the Premier League following stints with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
In turn, should he arrive in January, he’ll be prepared to make an immediate impact, and that is what is needed at Arsenal as they continue to fight for a top-four finish this season.
N’Zonzi would add a different dynamic to the midfield for Arsene Wenger. While the likes of Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka offer many of the same defensive characteristics, they need more of a driving force in midfield with an individual who can be tenacious and creative.
They would seemingly find that balance in the Frenchman, but it remains to be seen how accurate the report is as we’re just a matter of weeks away from the January transfer window opening for business.