Unai Emery convinces Arsenal board to sign Sevilla star Steven N'Zonzi

Unai Emery has won one of his first battles with the Arsenal board by convincing the club's hierarchy to sign Sevilla star Steven N'Zonzi.

The Spaniard is keen to strengthen Arsenal's midfield this summer as doubts over Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey's futures at the club persist.

Arsenal contemplated a move for France international N'Zonzi in January but the Gunners' head of recruitment Sven Mislintat decided against the move.

However, Emery signed N'Zonzi during his time in charge of Sevilla and the Spaniard has convinced the club to revive their interest in the midfielder, according to the Mirror.

Emery is said to have made a strong case for signing N'Zonzi during discussions with Arsenal's board and Mislintat is now ready to sanction the move.

The Swede had advised Arsenal against moving for N'Zonzi and instead talked up a deal for Watford ace Abdoulaye Doucoure.

However, Emery appears to have won the discussion in an early sign that the Spaniard could be given more influence over transfers than first thought.