Chelsea are planning a £30m move for Arsenal target Jean-Michael Seri this summer, even though they aren’t yet sure who will be managing the club next season.

The Mirror write that Roman Abramovich is insisting the club forge ahead with their transfer business despite the fact Antonio Conte is seemingly close to a departure. That business reportedly includes bringing Nice midfielder Seri to the club.

Over the summer, Seri was the only player who came close to Monaco’s Thomas Lemar in terms of Arsenal media speculation.

The Gunners seemed to want a midfielder, with Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere out injured, and the Ivorian was the clear favourite. Nothing went through at the time, but fans expected the club to go back in January. Again, it didn’t happen.

Perhaps Arsenal lost interest because Seri hasn’t been able to replicate his 2016/17 form. Last season, the Nice man scored seven goals and assisted 10 from midfield. This campaign, he has one goal and eight assists. Still not bad, but clearly not on the same level.

After Francis Coquelin’s departure, Arsenal have more reason than ever to invest in a new midfielder. From the looks of things they need to move fast though, or they’ll lose out to their London rivals.