Newly-appointed Arsenal boss identified his first signing and tasked the Gunners recruitment team with landing Jean Michael Seri, reports the Daily Mail.
Emery, confirmed as Arsene Wenger’s replacement this morning, is determined to build his side around Aaron Ramsey, 27, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 29. For that plan to succeed, he needs a strong midfield partner for the Wales international with questions hanging over Swiss enforcer Granit Xhaka, 25.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss saw first-hand the presence Seri brought to the OGC Nice midfield and is keen to bring that strong influence to the Arsenal squad. Losing Santi Cazorla to Villarreal requires the Gunners to strengthen and Emery wants to move quickly.
A number of European clubs showed an interest in the Ivory Coast international last summer amid claims that a deal with Barcelona was in place. Seri remained on the Cote d’Azur, but this season proved disappointing with early exits from the Champions League and Europa League.
The 26-year-old will cost Arsenal £35m with reports suggesting the player and Nice setting this as an informal ‘release clause’. Borussia Dortmund who appointed Lucien Favre – manager of Nice for two seasons – as their new head coach, and Chelsea, both retain an interest in Seri.