Geoffrey Kondogbie has impressed in the last year or so with his current club, Spanish outfit Sevilla following his switch from Ligue 1 side Lens last summer. He became an integral part of Sevilla’s setup last season as he racked up 31 appearances – a very good statistic for a mere 20-year old.

He also featured in France’s squad for the Under-20 World Cup this summer, and lined up alongside new Arsenal recruit Yaya Sanogo. Kondogbia has been earning positive reviews throughout the footballing world, and has also attracted some big European sharks like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, who have all reportedly been asked to keep them updated on any developments surrounding him.

The young powerhouse has attracted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger too who is looking to add some steel right in the middle of midfield, and provide some suitable cover for the likes of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey – something which the injury-prone and unfortunate Abou Diaby cannot at all times.

Arsenal have really left it late in the transfer window this time around, as they are approaching the end of the window and have only Sanogo to show for their efforts throughout the summer. As the new season begins next weekend, Wenger has now set the wheels in motion on bulking up the squad which has been severely trimmed down by the massive exodus of fringe players like Andrei Arshavin, Denilson, Andre Santos, Gervinho and more.

Metro reports that they want to begin their resurrection with the capture of Kondogbia, who is expected to leave by Sevilla coach Unai Emery. “We want him to stay here but there are circumstances that could lead to an exit,” he confessed earlier this summer.

With Arsenal eyeing up a £8.5 million deal which will activate his release clause, will the capture of this young star go some distance in solving the Gunners’ problems, or is he being eyed just to fill up the squad in terms of numbers, and will end up featuring only selectively in the cup competition?