Barcelona are also reportedly chasing the South American star.

But Baptista, who arrived in Cartaya today for pre-season training, intends to remain at the Andalusian club for a further 12 months.

“I have never said that I wanted to leave or that I didn’t want to stay at Sevilla,” said Baptista during a press conference.

“I have come here to work and to play here a further season. I don’t know what is going to happen this year, but I am calm.

“There is interest from several clubs but I am happy here and I have to take that into account.

“In August, I will get my papers in order to get Spanish nationality and I will no longer take up a non-European place, which is very important for me.”

Baptista, nicknamed ‘The Beast’ by the Sevilla fans for his predatory instincts – he struck 20 goals in 30 league appearances last season as Sevilla finished sixth – does not want to move to the Premiership just yet.

“I have already adapted to the Primera Liga and to adapt to another league would be complicated,” he said.

However, he did reveal he has spoken to Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.

“It was a fast conversation, in order to get to know each other and that is it,” he said.

“But I told him that I had the opportunity to get my passport, which is very important for me.”

Baptista denied has signed for any team, saying: “I couldn’t do that because I would be fined by FIFA.

“The only contract that I have is that with Sevilla,” he added.

However, he is unlikely to extend his deal with Sevilla beyond its current expiry date.

“We’ve been talking about that possibility for a year and a half but nothing was done.

“I believe it’s going to be very complicated to prolong my contract with Sevilla.”