Roma are ‘very close’ to signing Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, beating interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, according to reports.
France Football confirms talks are in progress between the clubs and cites various reports in Italy that a deal to last season’s Champions League semi-finalists is close.
The French outlet says a reunion with sporting director Monchi at Roma now appears the most likely outcome, despite Unai Emery wanting him at Arsenal and Barcelona seeing him as a viable replacement for the departed Paulinho.
Gazzetta dello Sport say Maxime Gonalons is set to leave the Rome-based club and that would pave the way for the French international to join.
Meanwhile, Corriere dello Sport say the Italian side’s failure to land winger Malcom – who signed for Barcelona this week – has intensified their interest in the central midfielder.
N’Zonzi previously spent six years in the Premier League across stints with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, before joining Sevilla in 2015.
Reports in Spain have indicated Sevilla would target Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko as a replacement should N’Zonzi – whose contract contains a €40m release clause – depart.
