Abdoulaye Doucoure is reportedly at the centre of a transfer dispute between Arsenal boss Unai Emery and Gunners head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.

The Watford midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as well as both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal are believed to be keen on adding Doucoure, who enjoyed a fine campaign at the heart of Watford’s midfield as he scored seven goals and was named the club’s Player of the Year, to their ranks.

However, Emery favours a move for Steven N’Zonzi – a player he worked with while in charge at Sevilla.

He is likely to have to argue his case to Mislintat, who believes Doucoure would be a more suitable addition to add quality at the heart of the Arsenal midfield.

N’Zonzi spent six years playing in England with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City before Emery brought him to Sevilla in 2015 and made him an integral part of his side.

He has been included in France’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Russia and offers experience at European level which Doucoure can’t.