Arsenal step up interest in Ligue 1 midfielder

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri as they seek to bolster their midfield department in the summer.

The Ivory Coast international came close to joining Barcelona during the previous summer transfer window but the move fell through after they decided to pursue Paulinho from Guangzhou Evergrande.

According to Sky Sports News, the Gunners are prepared to push through a move for the midfielder with the help of the new head of relations Raul Sanllehi.

Prior to joining Arsenal in February, Sanllehi had spent 14 years with Barcelona and he is said to have kept close contact with Seri's representative prior to the failed La Liga switch last summer.

Seri currently has a release clause of around £35m on his current contract but the Gunners are likely to hold back on a potential bid until the appointment of a new head coach.