Arsenal are intensifying their pursuit of Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoumé, with sources telling FootballTransfers that talks have now taken place between the Gunners and the player’s representatives.
FootballTransfers were first to break the news that Mikel Arteta’s side had been closely monitoring the highly-rated Frenchman, and can now reveal that Arsenal have significantly stepped up their interest, with preliminary discussions confirming the club’s admiration for the 22-year-old talent.
Despite speculation, we understand that Agoumé is not being lined up as a direct replacement for Partey, who has stalled on signing an extension to his contract that is due to expire at the end of this month.
Instead, Agoumé is seen as a strategic addition to Arsenal’s midfield; someone Arteta has admired for a while now and believes can grow into a key rotational option to compliment Zubimendi, particularly ahead of an increasingly-intense season filled with European and domestic football.
Crucially, Agoumé himself is open to the move and those close to the negotiations suggest he sees a future at Emirates Stadium as an exciting next step in his career.
Arsenal aiming to seal Agoume signing before breakout
Agoumé came through the academy of French side Sochaux and had attracted the attention of Arsenal as a teenager prior to his move to Inter in 2019
Having joined Sevilla last summer for €8 million after a loan spell, Agoumé represents a relatively low-risk target for Arsenal with significant upside, although they have yet to negotiate a fee for his services.
With three years remaining on his contract at Sevilla, Arsenal are keen to beat rivals to his signature before he has a major breakout and sees his value skyrocket.
Agoumé featured in all but three of Sevilla’s La Liga games last season and received praise for his defensive ability, while also contributing with a goal and three assists for the Spanish side.
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