Tottenham and Arsenal are both said to be keen on the midfield anchor.
Nice midfielder Jean Seri in action
Tottenham and Arsenal are both being linked with the signature of Jean Michaël Seri this summer. The Guardian recently reported that the North London rivals had both held talks over the potential £20 million acquisition of the Nice midfielder – who has been compared to double Premier League winning N’Golo Kante.
But reports from Nice today have suggested that Tottenham and Arsenal are not the frontrunners for the player and that he will cost a sizeable amount more than £20 million.
Football Soccer – Nice v Nancy – French Ligue 1 – Allianz Riviera Stadium
It is being reported by Nice Matin that Seri’s representatives are already in talks with Barcelona over a potential move to the Nou Camp, with Barca keen to add some dynamism to their midfield next season.
The report also carries quotes from Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère, who stated:
“(Seri) will not leave unless (40 million euro clause is met).
“We do not need to sell and we have not received any offer yet.
“There is a 20% chance that he will stay in Nice.”
Football Soccer – Nice v Saint Etienne – French Ligue 1 – Allianz Riviera Stadium
The fee for the Spurs and Arsenal target therefore stands at a whopping £34.4 million, a figure both clubs will struggle to justify spending on the Ivory Coast international.
But any delay may prove to their detriment, as Barcelona move into pole position to snap up the player this summer.
Spurs and Arsenal could be missing out on the next Kante in the process.
Nou Camp Barcelona
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