Arsenal keen on Nice star Jean Michael Seri as Roma are put off by £35million release clause
Gunners may make a move for the midfielder as they look to bolster their starting XI ahead of next season
ARSENAL show interest in Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri as Roma are set to drop out of the race.
According to The Guardian, Roma are believed to be put off by the Ivory Coast international's £35million release clause.
The 25-year-old turned heads last season - scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in Ligue 1.
Seri was a key player for Nice last term as he helped them mount a surprise challenge for the league title.
Arsenal are set to face competition from Arsenal and Tottenham as Seri has been heavily linked with a move to London.
During last season, Seri said he would only leave Nice if he was a guaranteed starter at his next club.
Seri said: “There are a lot of clubs that follow me. But there is nothing done.
“If I leave, it will be to join a club where there is a real desire to play football as in Nice.
"And I’m not going to be on the bench, I’m leaving only if I know I’m going to play.”
He could be brought in while Mesut Ozil may leave the Emirates as he is yet to sign a new deal.
Ozil and fellow contract rebel Alexis Sanchez are set to be offered a 20 per cent pay rise in the hope to get them to sign a new contract.
Both Sanchez and Ozil reportedly rejected a previous contract extension from Arsene Wenger's side in the region of £250,000-a-week.