Jean-Michael Seri reveals he wants to join top European club like Arsenal after Barcelona deal fell through
Nice star Seri admitted he is still "optimistic" of joining a top team after his club failed to qualify for the Champions League but the Gunners are not in the competition this season
JEAN-MICHEAL SERI is still optimistic of joining a top European club after his move to Barcelona fell through.
The Catalan giants pulled out of a switch for the Nice midfielder, as they went on to sign Dortmund forward Ousmane Dembele for £138million instead.
Seri was on the losing side as Nice were thumped 4-0 on aggregate by Napoli in the final round of Champions League qualifying.
It marked a disappointing end to the competition for Seri, who was a crucial part of Nice's title charge last season, before they fell away behind Ligue 1 winners Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
But he has had contact with Roma and name-dropped several interested parties.
The 26-year-old told Mundo Deportivo: "I want to be optimistic and think that there are still options.
"Let the two clubs talk quietly again and come to an agreement. We are not talking about any club, where you are going to sign for money.
"I want to sign for big European clubs, like Juventus, PSG, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund or Liverpool."
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Seri also speculated that Nice are holding clubs to ransom in their asking price.
And Roma's new sporting director, Monchi has been on the phone, but has been unable to persuade Nice to part with the player.
Seri added: "Roma has made several offers. I have spoken many times with Monchi and this transfer has not occurred because of economic reasons.
"Monchi got tired of the leaders of Nice.
"Roma was a good choice, but nothing to do with Barca."
Ivory Coast international Seri has not scored this term for his club, but netted six times last term.
Like Nice, Arsenal do not have the lure of Champions League football this season, with the Gunners playing against BATE Borisov, Cologne and Red Star Belgrade in Group H of the Europa League.
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