Barcelona are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Jean Michael Seri, eyeing the Nice midfielder as a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta.
According to a report by Spanish publication Don Balon, Barcelona are set to rekindle their interest in Jean Michael Seri, and pursue a deal for the OGC Nice midfielder next season. The Blaugrana are, in fact, eyeing the Ivorian as a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta.
Seri enjoyed a sensational rise to prominence last season as he played a pivotal role to help Nice clinch a shock third place finish in Ligue 1. The player featured in all but four top flight games for the French Riviera club in the campaign, boasting an impressive return of seven goals and nine assists.
The Ivorian has started the current season on a high as well, with four assists in nine appearances. His exploits have not gone unnoticed either, with Seri being the subject of interest for some of the biggest clubs in Europe this past summer.
Most passes completed ?
Most chances created ?
Most assists ?️Even Xavi wants Barcelona to sign Jean Michael Seri. ?? pic.twitter.com/kLSlL4MIYj
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2017
While, Nice managed to keep hold of their prized asset successfully, 2017-18 might just be the last season at the Allianz Riviera for Seri, with Barcelona set to reignite their interest in the midfielder.
The Blaugrana were one of the suitors vying for the Ivory Coast international’s signature in the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that they had also agreed personal terms with the player before a move failed to materialise.
However, Andres Iniesta’s future at Camp Nou is under a cloud. The veteran midfielder’s contract is set to expire next summer, and there has been no progress over a renewal. Iniesta himself has, in fact, said that he is seriously considering his future, and an exit could be on the cards.
The departure of Iniesta could leave Barcelona without a player who could assert control from midfield and dictate the tempo of the game. Therefore, Seri, who has often been compared to Xavi for his ability to pick a pass and control the flow of the game, has again emerged as a viable target for the Catalan club.
In fact, Barcelona are likely to make a move for Seri next season even if Iniesta puts pen to paper on a new deal at Camp Nou, with the club captain no longer able to play week in week out, with the 26-year-old being targetted as a long-term replacement for the veteran midfielder.
It now remains to be seen if the Blaugrana manage to secure the services of their target on their next attempt or if Nice succeed in keeping hold of him again.
