Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to push through a move to Arsenal, the Daily Mail say.
The France international, who is currently at the World Cup, has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners’ appointment of manager Unai Emery, who N’Zonzi previously played under at Sevilla, has increased speculation that he could be on his way to north London.
N’Zonzi, who played for Blackburn and Stoke before moving to Spain, is reportedly keen to return to the Premier League and be reunited with Emery.
The Mail say N’Zonzi, 29, has a £35m buy-out clause in his contract but that Sevilla may accept £22m for him.
Meanwhile, comments by Aleksandr Golovin’s mother have led to The Sun declaring that she “has confirmed he could be offski to Chelsea.”
The Blues have been linked with CSKA Moscow’s Russia midfielder, who has impressed at the World Cup.
His mother Svetlana has been quoted as saying: “Yes, now there are talks between the clubs, but we still do not know the details.
“Sacha right now stands only for the Russian team, fully focused on the World Cup. The transition from one club to another will only be discussed after it is completed here.”