Senderos looking set to leave Arsenal for Everton

Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos looks set to leave Arsenal for its Premier League rival Everton.

Everton said Tuesday that it was is negotiations with Arsenal but had yet to agree to a transfer fee for the 24-year-old central defender. A fee of about £6m is thought to have been discussed for the Swiss international.

“We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe,” Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said. “Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are on going.”

Senderos, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, may be a replacement for Joleon Lescott. However, an Everton club source claimed the centre-back was not being signed as a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.

Everton has so far turned down Manchester City’s attempts to sign the England international but may yet be forced to sell him if he requests a transfer and City raises its offer.

Senderos has one year left on his contract with Arsenal and has never been a first-choice defender with the London club despite making 105 appearances since joining in July 2003.

Although his chances of appearing for Arsenal appeared to have increased when the club sold Kolo Toure to Manchester City last month, the Swiss federation said Senderos was joining Everton to play regularly ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Senderos played just 14 Serie A games for Milan while he was on loan last season.