Transfer Story:
Whether or not Antonio Conte stays at Chelsea is a different question altogether, but the fact that the team requires some good reinforcements is true. Chelsea have made some horrible decisions in the transfer market in the past year or so, and have to act wisely this summer. The midfield lacks good options, and it is understandable that Chelsea are in the market for a good all-round midfielder. Jean Michel Seri has regularly featured in high-profile transfer rumours.
There was a news that his perceived move to Barcelona broke down last summer due to some issues between OGC Nice and Barcelona. Since then, it has been believed that Seri would seek a move out of France to get better competition and recognition too. A move to Chelsea could well be on the cards, and here we analyze whether this transfer should take place or not.
Seri: The African Xavi?
Seri’s short stature is deceptive as such because the man is capable of doing big things on the field. Often functioning from deep midfield, he has an excellent change of pace and the ability to win the ball back. He doesn’t lunge into tackles and rather stays close to the player to pressurize the opponent into losing the ball. Seri has the tendency to drive the team ahead and has fast legs, which enables him to turn defence into attack in a quick bit of time. His short passing is efficient, as that helps him to build the play and the attacking moves cleanly.
The midfielder can form passing triangles that bamboozles the opponent in their half, and he is good at shielding the ball and preserving the possession of the ball too. He moves the ball around quickly at the centre of the park and has a good enough vision to find his teammates at goal-scoring positions regularly. He featured in 31 matches this season and scored twice whilst having assisted in five goals too. Seri has recorded a passing accuracy of 91% and has won 51% of his defensive duels too. His ability to dictate the play sitting deep into the field is appreciable.
Should Chelsea make a move for him?
Barring N’golo Kante, no other Chelsea midfielder could claim to have had a good season this time around. The Frenchman surely needs support and Seri would provide just that. He can slowly inherit Fabregas’ role as Cesc has been on a visible decline. He could influence the midfield and make things happen for Chelsea, rather than waiting for them to take place; something that Tiemoue Bakayako does so often. Seri’s energy and positional discipline would couple brilliantly with Kante and both of them can form an effective midfield pair. Chelsea should ensure that this deal materializes.