Arsenal bid for Sevilla defender (From Haringey Independent)

Sevilla confirm offer for Squillaci from Gunners

1:05pm Thursday 19th August 2010 in Sport

SEVILLA have confirmed Arsenal have made an offer for centre-back Sebastien Squillaci.

The France international had asked not to play in the Spanish side's Champions League qualifier against Braga to avoid being cup-tied, should he join the Gunners.

Boss Arsene Wenger has already brought in defender Laurent Koscielny this summer after seeing Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre, William Gallas and Philippe Senderos depart the Emirates.

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez, however, revealed a deal was yet to be reached: “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.”

A statement on the club's website read: “Sebastien Squillaci's future is up in the air.

“As was conformed 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.”