Bengaluru, July 27: Arsenal and Spurs share a bitter rivalry on and off the pitch, now their rivalry is taken to a new level with the battle to sign Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri.

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After a long tug of war between the two north London clubs, reports claim that Arsenal are set to win the race for the 26-year-old beating Spurs and the move could be finalised in the next few days.

The Nice midfielder was one of the stars of Ligue 1 last season as his side Nice surprisingly secured Champions League qualification.

Seri was excellent for his side last campaign bagging seven goals and nine assists and has been likened to Chelsea's N'Golo Kante.

And now French newspaper 'L'Equipe' say that Arsenal are lining up a £35 million bid for the Ivorian.

Swansea City have also expressed their interest in the Ivory Coast international but are since failed to make an offer for him.

Seri is predominantly a central midfielder with an excellent overall ability to defend and attack with his combative displays he has often been compared to Kante.

Arsenal have already signed Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon and Sead Kolasinac from Schalke this summer and are looking quite active ahead of the new season.

The Gunners have not only managed to make a breakthrough in the signing of Seri but also are closing in on Monaco wideman Thomas Lemar and both of them could be invaluable additions to the club.

Arsene Wenger has already had bids rejected for 21-year-old Lemar, with Monaco demanding £80 million for a player they signed from Caen two years ago for just €4 million.

Monaco were hoping the huge numbers quoted would deter Arsenal and help them keep Lemar for another season on the premise his value would increase, sparking another bidding war next season.

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