Arsenal defender target Adil Rami has revealed he is looking for a new challenge. The 27-year-old Valencia centre-back has been linked with a move to north London, as Arsene Wenger looks to rebuild his back four ahead of the new season.

In May, talkSPORT reported that financial problems at the Spanish club could force the side to accept bids for the French international. Rami is contracted to the Mestalla side until 2016, but an £8m offer would reportedly be accepted.

Adil Rami
Reuters

"I have learned a lot in Valencia and Spain. I am here today but that does not mean to say that I do not have desires elsewhere. I had a good laugh because on Tuesday I had a meeting with Valencia directors and it is impossible for them to let me go," Rami told French radio station RMC.

Rami has a release clause in his contract, the upper limit of which is €12m. However, speaking to RMC, Rami stressed that Valencia had never forced his hand or his decision.

"I read that Valencia pushed me towards the exit, this is totally wrong. I broke my contract with my agent in February. I have a clause between 10 and 12 million euros so we will see what is best for me moving forward," the former Lille player explained.

Rami has already spoken of his desire to play for a top European club and has admitted he could move to England and the Premier League. The centre-back also ruled out any move to Russia and Anzhi Makhachkala.

At the Emirates, Rami's compatriot Laurent Koscielny and German international Per Mertesacker finished the season as first choice in the central defensive positions. Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen, once untouchable, has lost his place in Wenger's first team after a series of poor displays. Vermaelen has been linked with a transfer away from the club but Wenger has stressed the 27-year-old is still a part of his plans.

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