Arsenal transfer news: Fee agreed for French midfielder, competition for Lemar, and more - 13th December 2017

Arsenal agree fee for Steven N'Zonzi

The Sevilla midfielder fell out with manager Eduardo Berizzo during the Spanish club's recent clash with Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Subsequently, reports emerged of an exit as the player skipped a training session. This was followed by N'Zonzi getting dropped from the squad for last weekend's match against Real Madrid.

The 28-year old confirmed to France Football regarding the fallout with Berizzo along with stating that their relationship is now beyond repair.

Now, Arsenal have agreed a fee with the Andalusian club, if Spanish news outlet El Gol is to be believed.The Frenchman reportedly has a release clause of £35.3 million in his contract, which is a decent price in the current transfer market. As per El Gol, the London club are willing to pay £32.7 million up front and the remaining £2.6 million will be paid as add-ons.

If the news is needed true, then Arsene Wenger has pulled off a good signing who can make a difference to the squad and brings in valuable European experience as well.

Chelsea join the race to sign Thomas Lemar

The AS Monaco midfielder was subject to bids from Liverpool and Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Eventually, the French club's reluctance to sell coupled with lack of time led to the 22-year old staying put.

However, the Ligue 1 club failed to make it to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League and Lemar is now reportedly looking to leave in January. This put both Arsenal and Liverpool on red alert. However, in a new twist to the tale, Chelsea are in for the player, as per French magazine, L'Equipe.

As per the report, the Blues are willing to shell out £80 million for the Frenchman. This adds another element to the saga as Wenger will have to convince the player to join Arsenal in competition with Antonio Conte at Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

However, the Gunners boast of a strong French contingent such as Alexandre Lacazette, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud. This gives Arsenal an edge in signing Lemar but it remains to be seen which English club captures the player.

Moyes talks up Jack Wilshere

The 25-year old is in the final year of his contract and the lack of playing time is reportedly pushing the player to consider his options in January, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. Thus, several clubs were reportedly interested in securing his services in the upcoming January window.

Now, West Ham manager, David Moyes, spoke about Wilshere ahead of his team's match against Arsenal. He was asked how would it be if the Englishman comes into the Gunners side for the injured Aaron Ramsey and he said:

"I really like Aaron Ramsey. I tried to sign him at Everton before he went to Arsenal. He turned out to be a terrific player. Jack Wilshere is also an excellent footballer. I’m not an expert on Arsenal. I couldn’t tell you whether they are better with Ramsey or Jack Wilshere but I think whoever they play they have got good players.”

Thus, Moyes does rate Wilshere and the fact that West Ham's co-chairman, David Sullivan, spoke about three incomings in the upcoming transfer window further fuels the speculation. Sullivan said:

"David [Moyes] is still weighing up the areas we are short in. But you can be rest assured two or three players will be brought in to improve the team."

Now, Arsenal need to wait and see whether Wilshere is among Moyes' wishlist and then decide whether they would want to part ways with a player who has come through the club's ranks.

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