Real Betis’s sporting director has made it clear that Nabil Fekir will be going nowhere on the cheap amid reports linking Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal with the World Cup winner, while speaking to AS.
The former Lyon captain might have been left out of Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for this summer’s European Championships, but do not make the mistake of assuming that Fekir’s omission was a reflection of his form.
The Real Betis talisman was outstanding during the second half of last season; the cream rising to the top as Manuel Pellegrini’s side qualified for the Europa League.
Indeed, Fekir’s absence is more a reflection of the treasure trove of talent at France’s disposal with Deschamps handing Euro 2020 call-ups to the likes of Kinglsey Coman, Kylian Mbappe and a revitalised Thomas Lemar.
Could Arsenal target Nabil Fekir finally join Liverpool?
Either way, Fekir could be forgiven for wondering if he would have been included had he been plying his trade for a more high-profile club, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested in a man who famously saw a 2018 switch to Anfield collapse at the eleventh hour.
If Mikel Arteta or Jurgen Klopp want Fekir, they will have to pay big however.
“The idea of the club is that Fekir is a great player. But at no club in the world is there is a non-transferable player,” said Antonio Cordon, admitting that the play-maker could be sold if a ‘succulent’ offer arrives.
“If someone wants to come for (him), they will have to pay a lot of money.”
Liverpool are currently lacking a creative midfielder in the Fekir mould, while Arsenal are desperate to bring in a new ‘number ten’ with Martin Odegaard on his way back to Real Madrid.
The Gunners have already missed out on Emi Buendia to top-flight rivals Aston Villa.
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