Chelsea muscle in and make move for Arsenal target
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Roman Abramovich wrestles with VISA issues and cannot return to the UK and Antonio Conte is still sweating on his Chelsea future.
But this hasn’t stopped the club from delving into the transfer market.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri a bumper deal.
If the West Londoners could agree terms with the Ivorian and usurp a move to Arsenal then this would be a big signal of intent to their Premier League rivals.
The 26-year-old has been a vital part of Nice’s recent success. Seri netted 10 goals and added seven assist as they reached the Champions League places in 2016-17.
He’s established a fine connection with Mario Balotelli over the last two seasons. But with his team-mate’s future in jeopardy, this could be Seri’s chance to move on too.
Manager Lucien Favre has already returned to Germany this summer. The former Borussia Monchengladbach boss is now in charge of Dortmund.
Seri is in the last year of his contract and has a very public £35milion release clause that can be activated.
His agent Franklin Mara revealed this clause is valid up until July 15th, which gives any interested party the right to enter negotiations with the player directly.
It was thought Arsenal were in control as they allegedly spoke to the players representatives in the last few weeks.
However, the announcement of new head coach Unai Emery at the Emirates has given Chelsea an opportunity to step in.
The Blues have reportedly offered the player a €5 million per year contract. However, any agreement from a Chelsea perspective would depend on Conte’s departure.
The whole season has been dominated by the managers’ uncertainty at The Bridge.
Despite the club winning the FA Cup against Manchester United last week, a fifth placed finish wouldn’t have gone down well with the clubs’ hierarchy.
Seri would fit into the clubs recent DNA of signing proven players on the European stage. He would provide a thrust in central midfield that was notably absent this season.
Arsenal, Napoli or another team could still have a say in Seri’s future but Chelsea may have just muscled to the front of the queue.
