Steven N’Zonzi has revealed he plans to leave Sevilla after a fall-out with his manager Eduardo Berizzo.
The midfielder has been a massive success in Spain since swapping Stoke for Sevilla and his performances have alerted the attentions of Arsenal and Everton.
The Premier League duo have been linked with a transfer for N’Zonzi and the France international has now handed his potential suitors a massive boost.
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N’Zonzi was blamed by Berizzo for Sevilla’s dreadful first-half performance against Liverpool last month.
‘The coach pointed the finger at me [at half-time of the Liverpool game]. I will not repeat it … but his words affected me,’ N’Zonzi told France Football.
Arsenal 2017/18 fixtures
BATE Borisov (H) – Thurs Dec 7 (Europa League)
Southampton (A) – Sun Dec 10
West Ham (A) – Wed Dec 13
Newcastle United (H) – Sat Dec 16
West Ham United (H) – Tues Dec 19(EFL Cup)
Liverpool (H) – Fri Dec 22
Crystal Palace (A) – Thurs Dec 28
West Brom (A) – Sun Dec 31
Chelsea (H) – Wed Jan 3
‘Publicly, he said in future he would only select players who fit his vision for football. What does that mean?
‘Whether in a 4-3-3, 3-5-2 or any other formation, a player must adapt to what his coach demands and I have always done it.
‘The fact I was always professional despite the circumstances, that I always did my job, I found it unfair.
‘My future is clearly away from Seville. The only thing that disappoints me is the way it has ended.’
Sevilla conceded three goals in 45 minutes against Liverpool before mounting a remarkable second-half comeback.
N’Zonzi is familiar with the demands of the Premier League having spent three years at Stoke.
More: Arsenal FC
The 28-year-old has a contract with Sevilla that runs until 2020, but is currently in London and not with the squad.
Sevilla gave N’Zonzi permission to fly to London to visit his son and the chairman has insisted he must respect Berizzo’s decision, which seems to suggest the club are backing the manager after the bust-up.
N’Zonzi has £35.2million release clause and could be available in January. Everton are believed to the current frontrunners to secure his signature.
MORE: Sevilla chairman reveals the REAL reason Arsenal target Steven N’Zonzi is in London
MORE: Steven N’Zonzi catches flight to London amid Arsenal and Everton transfer speculation
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