Arsenal: ‘Cheeky’ Steven N’Zonzi tactic just returning to realism

Arsenal are reportedly asking Sevilla if they will accept a lower offer for Steven N’Zonzi than his £35.7 million release clause. This ‘cheeky’ tactic, though, is just a return to realism. N’Zonzi is not worth his release clause.

With the transfer window having fewer than three weeks to run, there is a growing pressure on clubs to complete their business quickly and effectively. Arsenal managed to get much of their work done early in the window, but with Unai Emery not completely ruling out any more additions, there could still be some work to be done.

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And one name that has lingered throughout the summer, and is again coming to the surface of the murky transfer waters, is Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates for some time, including most intensely last January.

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This time around, the reports claim that Arsenal have asked Sevilla if they will accept an offer less than the £35.7 million release clause in the Frenchman’s contract. The Daily Express claimed that this ‘cheeky’ tactic is because Emery is thought to have spent much, if not all, of his summer budget. The approximately £70-million spree on five players has addressed many of the needs that were present in the aftermath of Arsene Wenger’s resignation.

However, with central midfield a major concern prior to the summer and with Aaron Ramsey’s future yet to be determined with the Welshman not committing to a new contract — his current deal expires next summer and the Gunners would likely be forced into selling if he refused to sign a new deal –, there is cause for further reinforcements at the position.

But a near £40 million outlay on a 29-year-old midfielder who is not of the truly elite quality seems steep, even in the explosive market of the past couple of seasons.

That is not to say that N’Zonzi would be a waste of money. As proven throughout his time at Sevilla, and even for France at this summer’s World Cup, his unique physicality, range and tactical acumen in breaking up play is invaluable at the base of the midfield to protect the defence, but is that kind of player who is already entering the latter stages of his prime and plays a similar position to a £26 million prior recruit of this summer really worth £35.7 million?

The approach, if it has indeed been made, is just a return to realism. N’Zonzi would be a much more manageable and acceptable signing if he cost, say, £25 million, not £35 million. Because of his age, there is little resale value. Because of his good-but-not-great quality, two or three years of his prime is not worth more than £30 million. And because there has already been a significant investment at his position, adding another seems a little wasteful.

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N’Zonzi would be a perfectly fine signing. Not great. Just fine. But it must be for the right price, and his release clause is not the right price.