Barcelona have cleared the path for Arsenal to sign Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, according to Mundo Deportivo h/t Metro.
The 24-year-old has been on the wish list of Arsenal and Barcelona. The latter appeared to be more interested in the Ivory Coast international after losing Neymar to PSG for a world record £196 million.
Jean-Michael Seri has a £36 million release clause in his contract, and it is understood that Nice are not willing to negotiate a fee for the player. Barcelona appear to have pulled out of the race, as they are not willing to meet his release clause.
It leaves Arsenal as the front-runners to secure the midfielder. He was signed from Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira for just € 1 million back in the summer of 2015. Last season, he featured in 34 league appearances and came up with seven goals and nine assists.
It has not been a one season performance from the midfielder, as he has been quite influential in the Champions League qualifiers after providing two assists in his two appearances.
Even though Arsenal will not be involved in the Champions League, the club have commitments in the Europa League. As a result, there is a greater need to strengthen the Arsenal squad especially with the team looking likely to lose Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain before the end of this window.
Wenger has been choosy in the transfer market after only bringing in Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac in the summer. The club have had a net expenditure of €40 million so far.
