Transfer news: Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido accepts club could lose Geoffrey Kondogbia to either Arsenal or Chelsea

He does however claim that bid that meets his release clause will be considered an 'attack on the club'

Chelsea want to buy midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Sevilla (AFP/Getty images)

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has admitted that midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia could be sold this summer, but has pleaded clubs not to as it will be considered an “attack” on the club.

The Evening Standard is reporting that the 20-year-old midfielder is available for £17.1m due to a buy-out clause in his contract, although the deal would be complicated by the involvement of a private investment company, Doyen Group, who own 50 per cent of the player’s economic rights.

Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be chasing the Frenchman, but Manchester City and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation, and reports this morning suggested that Manchester United could be about the ramp up their interest in Kondogbia.

Should a bid matching his release clause be made, Sevilla would be forced to allow Kondogbia to discuss personal terms over a move, but Del Nido has sent out a plea to try and keep hold of their prized asset for at least another year.

“Kondogbia is not on the market but whoever wants him has to pay his 20m euros clause,” Del Nido said.

“But please, any team that tries to sign him – don’t. We will consider it an attack. I’ve already reached an agreement with Doyen and Kondogbia will not go this summer.”

The Gunners had been leading the way in the transfer market, but their interest has cooled after they turned their attentions to Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo in a £14m switch.

The 26-year-old Brazilian comes with a lot more experience than Kondogbia, who is yet to make his international debut for France, but his potential has been scouted as he has plenty of time ahead of him to make an impact on the international stage.

Gustavo seem the logical signing for Arsene Wenger, who is looking for an immediate impact, although Kondogbia is more like a typical Wenger signing in that he comes with a great deal of promise but lacks experience.