Arsenal could be set to miss out on Jean Seri after Barcelona stepped-up negotiations, according to reports.

The Nice midfielder has been heavily linked with Arsenal, but now seems close to a move to Barcelona.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo (via Football London), who claim that Barcelona have stepped-up their negotiations and could complete the signing in a matter of days.

The news could come as a blow to Arsenal, who were reportedly hoping to sign Seri for less than his £33m release clause.

There was some thought that Arsenal would attempt to sign him once Nice had concluded their Champions League play-off tie against Napoli.

It now seems that their hesitation to sign the player could be costly. The moment Barcelona get involved, Arsenal will have little hope of signing him.

Seri even has the Xavi seal of approval, as the legendary midfielder said he has “Barca DNA” and is just the sort of midfielder Barcelona need.

The Ivorian had an excellent campaign last season and considered to be the creative central midfielder Arsenal need to replace long-term absentee Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal, though, have turned their attention to selling players after Arsene Wenger admitted that 33 players wasn’t manageable.

The inability to shift unwanted players has par

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

alysed Arsenal’s window and could now see key targets slip away.