It has been a fairly successful summer transfer window so far for Arsenal after the bitter disappointment of missing out on Champions League football on the final day of last season.

The Gunners finished one point behind Liverpool and the onus was then on Arsene Wenger - who signed a new two-year contract - to leave a significant mark on the market.

The north London side have made some astute purchases, bringing in highly-rated Bosnian left-back Sead Kolasinac from Schalke on a free transfer and finally ending their search for a top striker by signing Alexandre Lacazette.

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Nevertheless, despite their two promising purchases, fans and pundits are still in agreement that Wenger's side require a few more stellar signings in order to compete for major honours in 2017/18.

Their 3-0 loss to Chelsea in Shanghai further underlined this issue, with midfield looking like a potentially weak department in the squad.

Monaco's Thomas Lemar is said to be Wenger's number one target but after being rebuffed by the Ligue 1 champions, they may move onto another player.

According to L'Equipe, the Gunners intend to keep their crosshairs locked on the French top-flight, and indeed the south of the country, but instead of Lemar, they will go for highly-rated Nice star, Jean-Michael Seri.

The Ivorian midfielder - who is valued by the club at around £35m - enjoyed a sensational season in 2016/17, guiding his side to an unlikely spot in the Champions League places.

Seri scored seven times and assisted nine more in just 34 league games, earning him a reputation as one of Europe's finest.

The 26-year-old was reportedly close to a switch to Roma but after his move to the Italian capital fell through, Premier League clubs have stated their interest.

Swansea have already seen a £17m bid for Seri rejected by Nice, while Tottenham are also keen on his signature.

But, Arsenal are said to be in pole-position and the all-action midfield man could be the perfect man to support the likes of Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey.

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