If reports are to be believed, then Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to gear up their pursuit for Ligue 1 midfielder Jean-Michael Seri. The OGC Nice star has been the top targets among the North London clubs, Spurs and Arsenal, this summer and with this development, a bidding war is expected ensue between the archrivals.
Reports have claimed that the 25-year-old Frenchman is priced at a whopping £33.5 million if he is to leave this summer, and both the suitors are equally armed to meet the asking price. Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed by a highly injury free season last term, with the Argentine boss hardly having to experiment much.
The central midfield was mostly taken by the Victor Wanyama and Dembele throughout the season and when the Belgian got injured, Eric Dier was called into action. While their consistent form didn’t affect their domestic season in any way, it was their European campaign that was serious hampered.
Not only did the manager run out of options in the gruelling midweek fixtures, but he ran out of ideas too when things didn’t go his way. And it is here that Seri could come into play. The 168cm tall, much like N’Golo Kante, relies hugely on his work rate and pace from wide areas to make his influence felt.
He was Nice’s engine last term remaining in the thick of things, and his unparalleled stamina further helped his cause. For a central midfielder by nature, who is more defensive minded in his approach, the Ivory Coast international has done brilliantly to score seven goals and nine assists in all competitions for the French side.
Pochettino has mostly preferred formations that would help in providing enough space for the fullbacks to operate as an overlapping winger time and again. And for this plan to be executed, the immediate recovery runs are quintessential on the defensive flanks. And Seri’s playing attributes make him an ideal option for that role.
Although not the tallest of players and definitely not the strongest in a game likes football, Seri’s intelligent game reading and tenacity to chase defenders throughout the game makes him a unique addition to any side. And for teams like Tottenham and Arsenal, who have quality ball playing midfielders in the squad in Dier and Granit Xhaka, such covers can do wonders.
Although he has only broken to the fore last season, he was a popular prospect among the scouts for some time now. And the French club, with Champions League football at their sights now, would hardly be willing to sell him and his price tag indicates it.
