Arsenal’s pursuit of Tottenham target Jean Michael Seri is reportedly reliant on OGC Nice’s qualification into the Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League.
According to ESPN, Arsenal have shifted their attention back to OGC Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri, who is also being tailed by the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham among others. The move, though, hinges on Nice’s qualification into the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
OGC Nice have to go through the pre-qualification phase of the Champions League to enter in the group stage. They have already progressed to the last stage – the playoff stage – of the qualification phase by beating Ajax based on the away goals rule.
Jean Michael Seri rose to prominence last season as OGC Nice emerged as one of the unlikely contenders for the Ligue 1 title. While the club ended up a long way off eventual winners, AS Monaco in terms of points, the 26-year-old impressed, with 7 goals and 9 assists in 34 league appearances.
Jean Michaël Seri vs Ajax – 2017/18
Time to confront the reality that he can surpass Marco Verratti or any other midfielder in France. pic.twitter.com/whezzyOnFu
— La Haine (@KozielloEN) July 26, 2017
In fact, the player has managed to notch up 2 assists in the tie against Ajax over two legs in the third qualification phase. The midfielder is also the subject of interest of clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham among others.
Arsene Wenger is looking to add a central midfielder to his squad at Emirates. Seri, with his abilities, is just the type of box-to-box midfielder that could unlock Arsenal’s potential, be it in their newly established 3-4-2-1 formation or the past 4-3-3.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are also looking towards the player as a potential addition to their already stacked midfield roster, with Mauricio Pochettino eyeing depth in each and every position. Barcelona, too, are looking for a player in the middle of the park to drive the team forward and Seri seems to match the description.
Arsenal are thought to be the leaders in the race for Seri, though, if the 26-year-old does become available, which is dependent on the club’s ability to land a spot in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Jean Michael Seri for Nice in Ligue 1 2016/17:
Most passes (2,733)
Most chances created (74)
Most through balls (32)
Most assists (9)— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 29, 2017
Arsenal target Jean Michael Seri would be well worth his £35m release clause | @andybrassell https://t.co/GFjx0r04i8 pic.twitter.com/q2C3j6GQkd
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 2, 2017
The draw for the final phase – the playoff stage – is due to be held on August 4 and Nice will know their opponents on Friday. In case Nice are unable to land a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Seri might decide to leave the club.
For now though, Arsenal and others will have to play the waiting game and watch on eagerly as Nice attempt to make it to the group stage of the fabled European competition.
