Dennis Praet has broken his silence amid claims he has a £23million release clause in his Sampdoria contract, as Arsenal continue to circle.
Praet has been identified as a possible Aaron Ramsey replacement at Arsenal, and has previously played alongside Gunners star Lucas Torreira in Italy.
Reports emerged that the Belgian had a £23million release clause included in his contract at Sampdoria, which the Gunners were looking at triggering.
But Praet has firmly denied this is the case.
This could be seen as a set-back from an Arsenal point of view.
A release clause of £23million is an affordable one for the cash-strapped Gunners, and had they triggered it Sampdoria would have had to let them at least speak to the 25-year-old.
The lack of a release clause means Arsenal could find themselves in a bidding war with other clubs, and at the mercy of Sampdoria - who could demand a much higher transfer fee than £23million.
But Praet reckons he has spoken to the Italian outfit and they've agreed to let him sign for a 'top side' in this summer's transfer window.
Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Praet said: "I want to move to a top club in one of the four top leagues. I don't have a release clause, but Sampdoria have verbally agreed to grant me a move if an interesting offer arrives."
Arsenal parted company with Ramsey this month, with the Wales international joining Juventus on a big-money contract.
The Gunners are keen to replace him quickly this summer and, as well as Praet, have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Adrien Rabiot, who is also out of contract in June.
