Arsenal have received a boost in their reported pursuit of Nice’s Jean-Michael Seri after Lucien Favre shot down rumours that the midfielder is set to sign for Roma.

Nice boss, Favre, insists that Seri will be on the Ligue 1 side’s pre-season retreat later this month, despite recent claims that the 25-year-old was close to a €35m (£30m) move to Roma.

“Seri? He’ll be with us at our preseason retreat on June 26. He’s a key player for the team,” Favre said.

Arsenal were dealt a blow in their apparent pursuit of the Ivory Coast international recently when it was heavily rumoured that he was about to sign for Roma. However, this no longer appears to be the case.

Seri made 39 appearances for Nice last season, scoring seven goals and assisted nine over all competitions.

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The central midfielder still has two years left on his current deal in France but Nice will only sell if a club triggers his €40m buyout clause.

“Seri has a clause worth €40m [£33m],” Jean-Pierre Rivere told RMC.

“It made everyone smile when we put this clause in two years ago.

“At that price, he will be free. Without it, we do not have the intention to sell him for the moment.

“Even if people do not take clauses seriously in France, they deserve some sort of respect.

“If tomorrow, a club offers the clause for Jean, he will go.”