Liverpool and Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jean Michael Seri from OGC Nice in the summer.

According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United have some competition in pursuit of Jean Michael Seri. Liverpool and Arsenal have also joined the race to sign the OGC Nice midfielder in the summer transfer window, potentially setting up a three-way battle for him.

Seri burst onto the scene after enjoying a breakthrough campaign with Nice last season, as the French Riviera outfit staked a shock claim for Champions League qualification by finishing 3rd in Ligue 1. The player has continued in the same mould in 2017-18 as well, even though his side has not exactly matched up to the standards of last season.

Seri though, has shown the kind of passing range and dexterity that saw him draw comparisons with Barcelona legend Xavi. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Ivorian is beginning to once again attract interest from top clubs like Manchester United, who have now been joined by Liverpool and Arsenal in his pursuit.

At Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has already asserted the need to sign a midfielder in the summer, with Michael Carrick set to hang up his boots and Marouane Fellaini heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford on a free transfer.

The race for Seri is hotting up. (Photo courtesy - Franck Pennant/AFP/Getty Images)
The race for Seri is hotting up. (Photo courtesy – Franck Pennant/AFP/Getty Images)

To make matters worse, Paul Pogba’s position at Manchester United has become increasingly uncertain in recent weeks, with rumours of a brewing rift between the player and Mourinho. Irrespective of the Frenchman’s future though, the need to add steel to their midfield is urgent for the Red Devils, making Seri a viable target.

In fact, if Pogba ends up staying at Old Trafford, Seri could help enable Mourinho to deploy a midfield three, which would help bring the best out of the France international at Manchester United. But, Arsenal and Liverpool have now joined the race to sign the player.

The Reds are set to welcome Naby Keita to Anfield in the summer. But, Emre Can’s uncertain future, coupled with Jordan Henderson’s persistent problems with injuries means Liverpool could do with a player like Seri, who could dictate play from a deep lying position in midfield, or as a regista.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have an urgent need to bolster their midfield, with Granit Xhaka not managing to perform consistently. But while Seri, who has been on the Gunners’ radar since the summer, will certainly boost Arsene Wenger’s options, he possesses qualities similar to Jack Wilshere.

Nevertheless, Seri remains a target for Arsenal, who are set to challenge Manchester United and Liverpool to land the player. Nice are resigned to losing the 26-year-old, who is keen on making a summer switch to the Premier League, as per the report.

Seri’s contract with the Ligue 1 outfit contains a release clause worth £35 million, which is unlikely to be an obstacle for any of the suitors in his pursuit. It now remains to be seen if Manchester United can remain in the lead to sign the player, or if either of Liverpool or Arsenal swoop him away instead.

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