Spanish side secures rights to midfield asset amid Arsenal link

Arsenal are weighing a move for Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume as the Spanish side prepares to settle the outstanding payments of his transfer from Inter Milan.

The 23-year-old joined Sevilla on loan in January 2024 and was signed permanently at the end of the season, having impressed during his short initial spell.

Although he spent the entire 2024/25 campaign as a Sevilla player, the club has yet to fully pay the transfer fee, with instalments agreed in stages.

Sevilla initially acquired 50 percent of Agoume’s rights for around €4 million and secured an option to purchase an additional 40 percent for a further €5 million.

That option expires on July 31, and the club is now preparing to activate it, which would bring their total stake to 90 percent, with Inter retaining the remaining 10.

Agoume made 37 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions last season, standing out as a holding midfielder in a struggling side that narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga.

His ball-winning numbers ranked among the best in Europe — in the top 5 percent for interceptions and the top 14 percent for tackles among midfielders in the top five leagues.

Sevilla see the completion of the transfer as a smart investment, particularly given the player’s performances and the growing interest from abroad. The Andalusian club are expected to trigger the clause once they close their accounts for the financial year, barring any major developments.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have discussed Agoume as a possible replacement for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires next week. While the Ghanaian is open to staying in London, negotiations over a new deal have stalled, and a summer departure appears likely.

Agoume’s combination of defensive presence and technical ability has drawn comparisons to N’Golo Kante, and his projected price tag of around £20 million could make him a cost-effective option for Mikel Arteta.

North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also expressed interest, but Arsenal are thought to have made the most progress in talks with the player’s representatives.

Whether Sevilla sell or not remains uncertain, but with the club under pressure to raise funds, Agoume’s name continues to feature prominently in the summer transfer market — and Arsenal are watching closely.

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