Sevilla have rejected a renewed offer of 20 million euros (£13.8m) from Arsenal for the club’s Brazilian forward Julio Baptista.
“There is now a written offer on the table for Baptista for 20 million euros,” Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said.
“The offer is much higher than the three previous ones, but we haven’t reached an agreement with Arsenal and the figures are still not close to what we are asking for.
“We are in no hurry. The player is under contract and if we don’t agree a deal, then he will play at Sevilla next season.”
Last week Del Nido rejected a “derisory” offer from Arsenal for the player.
Del Nido also insisted that no offer for Baptista had been received from Barcelona or Real Madrid. However, Baptista’s agent claimed contact had been made with Barcelona.
“We have had dealings with Barca over Baptista,” Herminio Menendez said.
“He has a contract with Sevilla at the moment but the new one they are offering is not satisfactory for us.
“He will continue to see out his contract with Sevilla until he receives an offer which is good for him and the club.
“We have talked with Barca but nothing has been closed with them or any other side.”
