Arsenal have turned to Sevilla's France international Sebastien Squillaci to solve their defensive crisis but have been warned by the Spanish club that he won't be sold on the cheap.
Manager Arsene Wenger is desperate to buy another centre half before the end of the transfer window having seen moves for Per Mertesacker, Brede Hangeland and Phil Jagielka fail over the course of the summer.
Negotiations are well under way with Sevilla for Squillaci, who has won 21 caps for France and played in their World Cup defeat to South Africa this summer.
The 30-year-old asked not to be involved in the Spanish club's 1-0 Champions League play-off defeat against Braga last night to ensure he won't be cup-tied in the competition for Arsenal.
But Sevilla aren't happy with the fee they have been offered so far and are believed to be demanding £6.5million for the former Lyon defender.
Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez 'Monchi' confirmed: "The player asked not to play (against Braga) 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."
Although Arsenal refused to comment, talks are expected to continue today and it has been reported in Spain that an agreement could be reached before the weekend.
Arsenal are short of centre halves having let William Gallas, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre leave the club during the summer.
So far they have only signed Laurent Koscielny from Lorient for £8m and he is suspended for the match at home to Blackpool on Saturday having been sent off on his Premier League debut against Liverpool last Sunday.
Read More
It is believed Wenger is also only prepared to offer Squillaci a one-year deal at present, but the player's agent is looking for a two-year contract at least and a compromise will have to be reached if Arsenal are to succeed in agreeing terms with Sevilla.
