Arsenal look set to sign French defender Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla, while it appears Armand Traore will leave the club to join Portuguese side Benfica.
Sevilla have confirmed that they have received an offer for the 30-year old, who was left out of Sevilla’s Champions League qualifier with FC Braga last night, as he would have been unable to play for another club in the competition this season had he participated.
A statement on the club’s official website read: “Sebastien Squillaci’s future is in the air.
“As was confirmed by sporting director Ramon Rodriguez at the airport in Porto, the club have received an offer from Arsenal.
“The player asked coaches not to play him in the match.”
Sevilla are believed to value Squillaci at around £6.5 million, but it is unsure whether Arsenal have met the valuation.
“The player asked not to play because of the offer from such a big team but, for the moment, we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player,” Rodriguez was quoted as saying in Spanish newspaper Marca, following a 1-0 defeat to the Portuguese side.
Any deal, therefore, is unlikely to go through before Saturday’s clash with Blackpool, for which the Gunners will already be without new signing Laurent Koscielny, who was sent off on his debut against Liverpool on Sunday.
Arsenal are short of experience in defence following the departures of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas during the summer.
Left back Armand Traore, meanwhile, looks to be on his way out of the Emirates after his agent confirmed that he is on the verge of joining Portuguese side Benfica.
The 20-year old lies behind Gael Clichy in the pecking order for the left back spot and is believed to be in Lisbon to discuss personal terms over a move thought to be worth £3.2million.
Traore’s agent, Richard des Voeux, told A Bola newspaper: “A number of European clubs were interested in Armand but the Benfica option is more important in many aspects.
“The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage (of negotiations). Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal.
“Benfica are a wonderful club that would interest any player. Obviously, Armand is very interested and excited about the possibility of coming to play at Benfica.
“Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon.”
