Source: Telegraph
Arsenal bid for France defender Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla
Arsenal are short of experienced cover at the back, having seen out-of-contract veterans William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre all leave in the summer. [LNB]Squillaci, 30, asked to be left out of Sevilla's Champions League play-off against Braga last night to avoid being cup-tied. [LNB] Related ArticlesFrimpong out for six monthsUefa support Arsenal schemeArsenal Fanshare: Q&ACole deification pure fantasyMascherano can only go for £25mAgger still feeling concussionThe former Lyon defender is rated at around £6.5 million, but it remains uncertain whether Arsenal have matched that valuation. [LNB]A statement on the Sevilla website read: "Sebastien Squillaci's future is in the air. [LNB]"As was confirmed by sporting director Ramon Rodriguez at the airport in Porto, the club have received an offer from Arsenal. [LNB]"The player asked coaches not to play him in the match." [LNB]Arsenal have already invested in the defence this summer, signing promising centre-back Laurent Koscielny in a £10 million deal from Lorient. [LNB]Koscielny had an eventful Premier League debut at Anfield, being the subject of a late challenge from Joe Cole which earned the new Liverpool midfielder a straight red card, before later receiving his marching orders following two yellow cards which rules him out of Saturday's home game against Blackpool. [LNB]Any deal for Squillaci, though, appears unlikely to be pushed through in time for him to play at the weekend. [LNB]"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," said Rodriguez, quoted in Spanish newspaper Marca, following the 1-0 defeat in Portugal. [LNB]Sevilla are said to have called an emergency board meeting today, as they discus the offer, which could hinge on whether they can bring in a replacement before the transfer window closes on Sept 1. [LNB]Arsenal are also said to be keen to sign an experienced defender, linked with both Australian stopper Mark Schwarzer and Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.[LNB]Full-back Armand Traore, meanwhile, looks set to be leaving for Benfica. [LNB]The 20-year-old signed from Monaco in 2006 but has not been able to break into the Arsenal first team on a regular basis and spent a season's loan at Portsmouth. [LNB]With the emergence of England international Kieran Gibbs, the left-back appears set for a move to the Portuguese champions in a reported £3.2m deal. [LNB]Traore's agent Richard des Voeux told the A Bola newspaper: "A number of European clubs were interested in Armand, but the Benfica option is more important in many aspects. [LNB]"The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage (of negotiations). [LNB]"Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal. [LNB]"Benfica are a wonderful club that would interest any player. [LNB]"Obviously, Armand is very interested and excited about the possibility of coming to play at Benfica. [LNB]"Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon." [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]
