Steven N’Zonzi is a major transfer target for Arsenal but the club have made it clear to manager Unai Emery that he must sell before he can bolster his squad.
Emery has spent the £70m he was allocated after bringing in Matteo Guendouzi, Bernd Leno, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Lucas Torreira.
Emery wants to spend another £25m to sign N’Zonzi from Sevilla. The 29-year-old won the Europa League with
Emery when the pair worked together in Seville. He also won the World Cup with France.
Emery’s need to raise funds could signal Aaron Ramsey’s departure. The 27-year-old Wales midfielder’s contract runs out next June.
Arsenal lost Jack Wilshere on a free this summer and are reluctant to see Ramsey do the same in 2019. Chelsea have shown interest, but it is yet to be seen if he is interested in leaving.
One player staying is 18-year-old Emile Smith Rowe, who has been rewarded for his fine pre-season form with a new five-year deal.
Smith-Rowe scored a stunning goal in a friendly against Atletico Madrid last week and has impressed Emery.
Exactly a year after signing his first professional contract, the Under-17 World Cup winner has been handed fresh terms worth £15,000 per week. Emery said: ‘I am pleased with Emile. He is working very hard.’