Nice midfielder, Jean Michael Seri, admits that he does want to join a big European club, like Arsenal or Liverpool, as it appears that his move to Barcelona is no longer going to happen.
Seri has been linked with Arsenal for most of the summer, with fans even claiming that he could potentially be a decent replacement for Santi Cazorla. However, Barcelona were the main club said to be in the frame to sign the midfielder most recently, with the 26-year-old even allegedly set to travel to Spain to complete the move.
While this deal appears to have fallen through, with the La Liga giants signing Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele for a club record £97m, Seri is still keen for a move away from Nice this summer.
“Is the Barca move dead? I want to be optimistic and think that there are still options,” Seri told Spanish outlet, Mundo Deportivo.
“Let the two clubs talk quietly again and come to an agreement.
“We are not talking about any club, where you are going to sign for money.
“I want to sign for big European clubs, like Juventus, PSG, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool.
“For example, Roma, has made several offers.
“I have spoken many times with [Rome director] Monchi and this transfer has not happened either because of economic reasons.
“Monchi got tired of the leaders of Nice!
“Roma was a good choice, but nothing to do with Barca.”
The central midfielder has a £36m release clause.
Seri has already played six games for the French club this season and has racked up three assists. Last term, he made 39 appearances, scored seven and assisted nine.
The Ivorian has just two years left on his current deal with Nice and considering he doesn’t seem all that keen on staying, it’s possible that he could move this summer. He’s also tried to cast his net pretty wide, naming a few teams he’d like to sign for, indicating further that he wants out.
Whether Arsenal is a potential destination, however, remains to be seen.
In just two Ligue 1 appearances, he’s created 10 chances and has completed 91% of his passes.