Jean-Michael Seri is in London for talks over his proposed transfer from Nice, according to reports in the English press tonight.
Weekend press reports suggested Fulham had made an audacious move to try and hijack Chelsea’s rumoured deal for the Ivory Coast midfielder, which appears in jeopardy owing to the uncertainty over the Blues’ managerial situation. French reports claim that Seri has been spotted in London with the Whites, Chelsea and Arsenal also believed to be keen on striking a deal for his services. Seri was excused from Nice’s pre-season tour today in order to arrange his expected exit from the club.
The 26 year-old midfielder, who came close to joining Barcelona last summer, is believed to have a £35m release clause in his contract which expires next weekend. Seri has previously suggested he would be keen on a move to England and Fulham’s interest would certainly kickstart their summer recruitment as they prepare to return to the Premier League next month after a four year absence.
Seri, who was named in the 2017 Ligue 1 team of the year, has made 189 first-team appearances for Nice, scoring fourteen goals. He has won eighteen senior international caps for the Ivory Coast – finding the net on one occasion. Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to bring in top flight talent but signing Seri would be akin to the coup that Jean Tigana pulled off in tempting Edwin van der Sar to Craven Cottage after Fulham won promotion in 2001.
