According to Portuguese media outlet Zero Zero, Southampton are among the sides said to interested in signing Nice midfielder Jean Seri this summer.
The 25-year-old has been one of the French side’s top performers in what has been an impressive campaign – they currently sit third in the Ligue 1 table having lost just two of their 30 matches – and Seri is understood to have attracted interest from Saints and Marseille, with the article suggesting he could be available for around £12m.
Of course, the link to the midfielder is intensified by the fact that current Saints boss Claude Puel signed the Ivory Coast international for Nice in 2015, and will know all about the quality he can bring to the south coast outfit.
With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand already being linked with moves away from St Mary’s, it could be another busy summer of incomings and outgoings, with Puel also wanting to put his own mark on the team.
Here are three reasons Southampton should go all out to bring Seri to St Mary’s this summer…
His stats
Seri has enjoyed a remarkable season with the Ligue 1 high-flyers, and his stats will have impressed the man who signed him for Nice less than two years ago, Claude Puel.
In 25 French top-flight appearances this term, the 25-year-old has scored four goals, provided nine assists and made 50 key passes to show his ability in attacking positions.
He has offered a lot from a defensive point of view too, making 21 interceptions and 16 clearances.
Kante similarities
Because of his stature – he stands at 5’6” tall – and energetic style of play, there are undoubted similarities between Seri and the Chelsea star.
But if Southampton did bring the Ivorian to St Mary’s, then the supporters would have to understand that he may not have the same impact as Kante has at Leicester City and Chelsea.
Seri is certainly a more attack-minded central midfield player, but his attributes mean that he has the potential to play the same role as Kante does in the future, too.
He is the ideal partner for Romeu
Puel has successfully deployed the 4-2-3-1 formation in recent weeks, but Steven Davis has looked far from comfortable in a deeper position alongside Oriol Romeu.
With the likes of Jordy Clasie and Harrison Reed also seemingly failing to impress Puel since he arrived at St Mary’s, Seri could be the ideal partner in the middle of the park for the Spaniard.
With the Ivory Coast international able to offer both a defensive stability and an attacking threat, they have the potential to become quite the partnership.
Do you agree, Southampton fans? Let us know below.
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