According to the Guardian, the 30-year-old had refused to play for Sevilla in their first-leg Champions League play-off against Braga in Portugal, as he was trying to avoid becoming cup-tied and risking a transfer to Arsenal.

Sevilla's coach, Antonio Alvarez, said: "I didn't like the fact that Squillaci didn't want to play but the circumstances turned out that way."

Apparently the defender had been named in the lineup, only to be suddenly withdrawn, said Sevilla defender Julien Escude.

"When the coach gave his team talk, Sebastien was starting," Escudé said. "Then, I do not know what happened, with the coach or the sporting director, but there was a change in the line-up.

"Later, we knew Sebastien refused to play. I was surprised."

Squillaci himself was unperturbed by any accusations, and said that once he knew Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was interested in him, the decision to leave La Liga for the Premier League was easy.

"If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it's practically impossible to turn down," he said.

"It was a sensational offer for me and I was happy Sevilla let me go.

"It was a difficult situation but I knew I had to take this chance.

"I knew if I played against Braga then I would not have been able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League."

The ex-Monaco and Lyon player said it was a dream to join Arsenal.

"Arsenal were always the team I watched out for," said Squillaci.

"For any spectator like me, you had to watch a squad with [Thierry] Henry, [Robert] Pirès, [Patrick] Vieira and [William] Gallas.

"Now, I'm happy to have my name in the history books.

"For me, this is a great new challenge and I've gone there purely to be part of that.

"I don't think my age is a problem. My experience in football is great and players of my age tend to be at the peak of their playing career."