Real Betis' French midfielder Nabil Fekir controls the ball during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville on February 9, 2020. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal interested in Fekir – but not at €50m asking price

Apr 20, 2020

Arsenal are showing an interest in Nabil Fekir, but Real Betis are only willing to sell for €50m, more than anyone is ready to pay right now.

fbl esp liga valencia real betis — Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler (R) vies with Real Betis’ midfielder Nabil Fekir on February 29, 2020. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

AS report that Arsenal and AC Milan both hold an interest in Nabil Fekir this summer. The problem is that Real Betis are refusing to consider a sale for less than €50m. Neither club is willing to match that figure.

For Betis, the issue comes from the large clauses in Fekir’s contract. Olympique Lyonnais get 20% of any capital gain from a sale, whilst Fekir gets 10%. This means almost a third of Betis’ profits will end up elsewhere.

For the most part, Fekir is proving himself again in La Liga. He has seven goals and six assists this season, in 23 appearances. The 26-year-old had a couple of minor injury concerns, but only missed three games as a result of them.

Fekir was in particularly good form in the month or so before the shutdown. He had three goals and three assists in his last five games.

We all know why he’s at Real Betis and not Liverpool, though. Something in his medical at the club put the Premier League leaders off, making him a big risk for potential buyers at such a high price.

Reports last summer suggested Arsenal made contact with Lyon over a possible €30m deal. In the end, he moved to Real Betis for €20m. If the Gunners weren’t even willing to match that, it’s hard to see them paying €50m now.