Chelsea transfer news: Steven N’Zonzi will cost £25.5m as Manchester City and Blues are told to meet Sevilla release clause

CHELSEA and Manchester City will reportedly battle for Sevilla star Steven N’Zonzi in January.

But the Premier League duo have been warned they’ll have to pay top dollar to bring the midfielder back to England.

Former Stoke ace N’Zonzi has become one of La Liga’s top players ever since joining Sevilla in 2015.

And his performances have not gone unnoticed, with Juventus keeping tabs despite closing in on Axel Witsel.

However, claims Chelsea and City are leading the race for N’Zonzi’s signature after Juve balked at his release clause.

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Sevilla have told interested parties they must meet the 28-year-old’s £25.5million buyout in full, with the Spaniards reluctant to do business after working their way up to third in the league table.

But Chelsea are keen to bring in reinforcements after allowing Oscar to seal a £60m move to China, while doubts linger over the long-term future of Cesc Fabregas.

City are also in the market for a midfielder after losing Ilkay Gundogan to a serious injury, but Pep Guardiola could lose out to Antonio Conte after N’Zonzi previously revealed his delight at the possibility of a Stamford Bridge switch.

He said in November: “It’s nice, it’s good [to be linked with Chelsea]. But I always say that this type of club is interested in other players too. Until there is something concrete, we must remain professional.”