Seri discusses future, namechecks Liverpool and Arsenal

Matt Stead

Jean Michael Seri has revealed why a dream move to Barcelona collapsed, while confirming a move to Arsenal or Liverpool would interest him.

The Catalan club had reportedly given the impression that they were intent on signing the 26-year-old Nice star.

They made a first fofer of €25m and were expected to return with a bid of €30m plus bonuses, a fee that should have been enough to seal the deal despite Nice’s €50m asking price.

However, the bid never came, and Seri admitted it left him feeling “terrible”.

“I am very touched by what has happened. I already saw myself playing at the Camp Nou. My dream of going to Barca has been broken and this, for me, is terrible,” he revealed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

“The leaders of my club did not tell me anything, not even look me in the eye. It was clear that something had happened: they promised me one thing and then it turned out that they did not keep their promise, asking for more money from me.

“The cause of the negotiations was broken because the talks between the two clubs went from bad to worse. From what I have been able to find out, my departure from Nice has not occurred for financial reasons.

“I’m going to be the one who asks you a question: do you really think that Barça paid more than 30 million for a player they did not know? I do not think [the Napoli match] is the case.”

The Ivorian discusses his future, hinting at possible interest from Arsenal and Liverpool amid other top European clubs.

“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 a big European club, like Juventus, PSG, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool… For example, Roma has made several offers.”