Barcelona will reportedly pay the €40m release clause of Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri on Monday.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have long identified Seri as an alternative to Marco Verratti, but the Ivorian’s arrival would not affect their pursuit of Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho.
It comes after Nice boss Lucien Favre seemingly confirmed the Blaugrana would not be able to negotiate a lower price for the 26-year-old.
“An imminent agreement for the transfer of Jean Michael Seri to Barca? Are you serious? I can’t imagine life without Seri…” he said at a Press conference.
“Still, as long as the market is open, like many other clubs, everything’s a mystery.
“He’s played all his games in a professional manner. I can’t tell you anything else, I know nothing whatsoever.”
Seri played a key role in Les Aiglons’ third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, with his performances prompting some to label him ‘the African Xavi’.