Arsenal are reportedly interested in Jean-Michael Seri, who fits the bill as a replacement for a current Emirates Stadium star.
Arsenal slipped to a fifth-placed Premier League finish last season as Santi Cazorla sat out much of the campaign with injury.
The Spain international has been key to Arsene Wenger’s side since his 2012 arrival, first as an attacking force and then later in a deeper midfield role.
But Cazorla is now 32 and has been out of action since last October, perhaps nudging Wenger towards signing a long-term replacement – and Jean-Michael Seri would certainly fit the bill.
Nice have become genuine contenders in Ligue 1 in recent seasons and, while the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa and Alassane Plea have caught the eye, Seri has been crucial to their success.
Now, according to L’Equipe, Arsenal are interested in taking the midfielder to the Premier League, with the player’s contract including a release clause around the £35million mark.
Seri, like Cazorla, is both agile and a good passer, capable of influencing the game in attacking areas and also providing a metronomic presence in the middle of the park.
Cazorla could well return to form and fitness, but, after such a lengthy absence, it would be a risk to rely on him solely.
Seri is some six years younger and could even play alongside Cazorla for a time, with Arsenal requiring significant improvement in midfield after a disappointing campaign. It would be a smart move.
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