ARSENAL have reportedly suffered a transfer blow with Nabil Fekir reportedly preferring to wait for Barcelona or Real Madrid to come in for him.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has long-been linked with a move to the Premier League and almost joined Liverpool but for a failed medical in 2018.
Having left Lyon last summer to join Real Betis, the World Cup winner has shone in Spain and scored seven goals and provided six assists in 23 appearances.
That has attracted the interest of the Gunners, as well as AC Milan and Newcastle.
However, Spanish publication AS claim the midfielder is prepared to stay put and wait for an offer from either of La Liga’s two powerhouses.
He was previously linked with a switch to Barcelona during his time at Lyon.
And it seems he has every confidence they could be keen on him again in the future as he prepares to snub the advances of other interested parties.
Today’s report states Fekir, who is under contract until 2023, still has a good relationship with Nou Camp sporting director Eric Abidal.
But the chief’s influence at Barca has waned due to the public fall-out with Lionel Messi and other senior players after he blamed their performances for Ernesto Valverde getting sacked.
And Betis’ £44m price tag could also prove a problem due to the financial impact caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
