Barcelona have ended their interest in Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, according to reports.

Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri.

Barcelona had been interested in the Ivorian and were said to be favourites to sign him. However, according to Mundo Deportivo (via The Mirror), they have dropped their interest as they don’t want to pay his £36m release clause.

Nice will only allow Seri to go if they receive his full release clause, something that has also made Arsenal reluctant to sign him. Despite both Arsenal and Barcelona both having more than enough resources to pay the clause, it seems neither of them believe Seri is worth that much.

If Arsenal are still in for Seri though, not having to compete with a club like Barcelona will be very helpful.

Arsenal could still be looking to strengthen their midfield this summer. Seri has the been the most frequently linked, but there have also been links with Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi.

Nice are currently involved in a Champions League play-off tie against Napoli. There may not be any updates on Seri until after that tie has been concluded.