Sevilla have identified the replacement of Premier League-bound Steven N’Zonzi, according to the latest reports from Spanish media.
The former Stoke and Blackburn and midfielder looks set to return to England with both Chelsea and Manchester City keen. He has a buyout clause in his contract rumoured to be around £25.6m which the Premier League giants are willing to pay.
N’Zonzi, 28, has impressed this term for the La Liga side, who currently sit second just a point below Real Madrid. He has made 25 appearances this term and been key to their success.
But, according to Spanish publication Don Balon, Sevilla have earmarked Ibrahim Amadou to replace him. The 23-year-old Lyon star is out of contract in 2019 and is also being monitored by clubs in England and Germany.
But Sevilla are looking to get a deal done with N’Zonzi likely to leave the club. Both Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola are monitoring him as they look to bolster their midfields.
After pretty standard spells in England at Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, the midfielder appears to have been transformed by relatively new Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli.
N’Zonzi has been likened to Sergio Busquets due to his ability to win back and intelligently distribute the ball quickly and has also drawn comparisons to Yaya Toure due to the nature of his powerful forward dribbles. Many would consider him an improvement on Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin.
Juventus are also desperate to sign a new midfielder in January and N’Zonzi is one of Marotta’s favourite picks. Trouble is, Sevilla are not open to sell the player for less than € 30 million which is the player’s release clause.
The Spanish club have informed Juventus about their economic demands and the Old Lady is not open to buy the player meeting his release clause.
That could give further hope to both Chelsea and City that are also keeping a close eye on the former Stoke man. Pep Guardiola urges to sign a new midfielder to replace injured Gundogan, whilst Conte may need a new man in the middle of the pitch is Fabregas leaves the Stamford Bridge.
The same conditions imposed to Juventus apply to both Premier League giants. Will either Guardiola or Conte meet N’Zonzi release clause?