Who is Steven N’Zonzi? Chelsea and Manchester City transfer target could be set for Premier League return – here’s what we know about the Frenchman
MANCHESTER CITY are set to battle Chelsea for Steven N'Zonzi.
The former Blackburn and Stoke midfielder is a £25million target for both Premier League giants.
Here, SunSport runs the rule over the Sevilla star.
Who is Steven N'Zonzi and which clubs has he played for?
Steven N'Zonzi is a 28-year-old French footballer who currently plays for Sevilla.
He began his career at Ligue 2 side Amiens in 2007, following development in six different academies including Paris Saint-Germain.
Fans in England will already be familiar with the ex-Blackburn and Stoke star.
Rovers, who were in the Premier League at the time, scouted N'Zonzi and signed him for £500,000 in 2009, giving him a four-year contract.
N'Zonzi shone for the club and was named their Player of the Year in the 2009-10 season.
But when Blackburn were relegated two years later, the midfielder wanted out and joined Stoke in a £3million deal.
N'Zonzi once again impressed - this time at the bet365 Stadium (formerly the Britannia) - but persistently eyed a move away from the midlands.
He handed in two transfer requests and, after three seasons, rejected a new offer and was sold to Sevilla for almost £8m in 2015.
It is because of his success in La Liga that some of Europe's elite are now clambering to sign N'Zonzi.
He won the Europa League in his first season at the club - beating Liverpool in the final - as Sevilla finished seventh domestically.
But now it looks as if the Frenchman could be on the move again with a number of clubs interested.
- Amiens, 2007-09
- Blackburn, 2009-12
- Stoke, 2012-15
- Sevilla, 2015-
Who has Steven N'Zonzi been linked with?
N'Zonzi has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, Arsenal and Everton.
The Blues and City are thought to be the frontrunners, targeting him in a £25m deal.
But Arsenal have only expressed interest and are, at the moment, making no movements to sign N'Zonzi.
And the player has already ruled out a move to ambitious Everton.
Sevilla hope they can tie him down to a new contact amidst the frenzy to sign their key midfielder.
What is Steven N'Zonzi's playing style like?
Once compared to former Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira, the Sevilla star is an engine in midfield.
N'Zonzi covers every blade of grass in any game he plays in, allowing more creative players the freedom to break down opposition.
At 6ft 3in he is dominant in the air and his discipline means he is often in the right place to win an aerial duel.
