Arsenal and Jean Michael Seri: Dynamism and distribution

Arsenal have reportedly entered into talks with the agent of Jean Michael Seri. But what will he bring? Well, there are two broad categories: Dynamism and distribution.

Arsenal are making their approach for their first signing of the summer transfer window. Although there isn’t a manager in place, the brain trust of Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat, Head of Relations Raul Sanllehi, and Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis are already pressing forward with their transfer plans.

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Those plans, ostensibly, include Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri. Per Sky Sports, the Gunners have made contact with the player’s agent and have entered into discussions regarding a possible move that is rumoured to be in the region of £40 million.

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It should be noted that Barcelona with heavily rumoured to be interested in Seri last summer, as were Arsenal, though a deal was never completed with either club. That is interesting, however, because of the Director of Football of the Catalan club at that time was Sanllehi, who is the new Head of Relations at the Emirates and is heavily involved in the search for a new manager and making early preparations for the summer window. Clearly, then, there is continuity and consistency in him liking the player.

But what does Seri actually bring to the table? What kind of central midfielder is he and what abilities will he provide this Arsenal team?

Well, I believe, from watching a few of his games, asking those who know more about the French league than I do, and delving into his statistics, that there are two key traits that he offers that his game revolves around: Dynamism and distribution.

The first is immediately obvious in watching him play. Very much akin to an N’Golo Kante, while Seri may be slight in stature, he is extremely athletic. He is quick across the ground, he regularly tops the running charts at Nice, and he has an outstanding engine. He has a natural, boundless energy to his game that makes him seem everpresent, covering every blade of grass with consummate ease.

But he is not just a runner. There have been plenty of players who have remarkable stamina and speed but then lack the intelligence and ability on the ball to ever translate such athletic giftings into quality production. Seri is more than just an athlete. He is an excellent footballer also, largely because of his distribution.

In the past three years in Ligue 1, he has maintained a pass completion rate of 88.9%, 89.5% and 90.3%, improving every year. He also has six, nine and five assists in those three seasons, completes 1.3, 2.2 and 2.3 key passes per game across the same campaigns, and has averaged over 80 passes per game in the past two years. Seri is an excellent, deep-lying passer of the ball.

Next: Arsenal: 3 consequences from Jean Michael Seri reports

Is he what Arsenal require in midfield? I am not so sure. That is a question for another time. But what he brings to the team is outstanding athleticism and great quality and intelligence on the ball. That is a rare combination, one that is well worth spending £40 million on.