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Everton And Arsenal In Battle For £36 Million Ligue One Ace

Everton And Arsenal In Battle For £36 Million Ligue One Ace

He's just come off a fine season in France.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Arsenal and Everton are set to tussle it out for the signing of Nice star Jean Michael Seri.

The Ivorian was a hugely influential figure for Lucien Favre's side last season, as they finished in third place and achieved qualification to the Champions League, although they must go through two play-offs to reach the group stage.

While Mario Balotelli was the main man for Nice last term, Seri was of pivotal importance in central midfield and had an excellent season - notching seven goals and contributing further with nine assists in 34 outings in Ligue One.

Image: PA

His fine form has prompted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A side Roma - with there even being reports, namely from French station RMC, via Metro, that the Giallorossi were closing in on a deal for the 26-year old earlier in the transfer window.

Though they remain interested in his services, Radja Nainggolan's contract extension has lessened the need for a new central midfielder at the club.

However, Seri is very much still a man in demand, with Ed Aarons, deputy news editor of The Guardian, saying that both Arsenal and Everton are keen.

Arsene Wenger has already completed one big-money signing from Ligue One in the form of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, who joined Arsenal for a club record £46 million fee.

And the Gunners would appear to be in pole position to land Seri, who Everton view as an alternative to Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson, rather than a priority signing.

Seri, an Ivory Coast international, has a £36 million release clause.

Nice's president Jean-Pierre Rivère expects two departures from the Allianz Riviera before the transfer window shuts, and it's thought that Seri could well be one of them.

Image: PA

Speaking to French outlet L'Equipe, via Metro, he said:

"There should be three or four more arrivals, and two departures. We want to finish these as soon as possible, but certain cases take more time than others.

"I think we will manage, because these last ones should be finalised faster than those from last year."

Seri signed for Nice in 2015 from Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira, and having arrived for a reported £1.7 million, the club will certainly make a substantial profit if/when he leaves.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Ligue One, Everton, Arsenal, Ronald Koeman