Arsenal are believed to have a real interest in Nice’s Ivorian midfielder, according to latest reports from France.

Jean-Michael Seri is one of the few central midfielders that doesn’t play for Barcelona that’s been linked with Arsenal this summer, but so far it’s been a tentative link at best. L’Equipe, though, state Arsenal have a real interest in the Ivorian midfielder.

At the moment, interest is all it is. Arsenal were linked with Seri earlier in the summer,  around the time Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis were spotted in Nice. It was believed the 26-year-old was the subject of their interest.

Nice are nevertheless determined to keep hold of the coveted star for their Champions League campaign next season. Reportedly, it will take a bid in excess of £35m to procure his signature, something Roma wanted to do but were ultimately priced out of making a deal.

If Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer, Seri could be an option for them. He played 34 games in Ligue 1 last season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists and was one of the highest rated players in a season that Nice saw challenge for the title.

With Santi Cazorla out injured for the foreseeable future, Mohamed Elneny being put up for sale £10m, while Jack Wilshere could be leaving for twice that fee, Arsenal do have room in the squad for a diminutive, creative midfielder.

Aaron Ramsey did impress alongside Granit Xhaka as a deep-lying player during the tail-end of last season, but questions remain about his consistency. Arsenal need depth in this position to ensure they can unlock all defences to challenge on all fronts in 2017/18.

£35m seems a steep price to pay for Seri, but it’s a similar amount to what Arsenal paid for Granit Xhaka last summer and looks tame compared to the fees flying about for players at the moment.