Chelsea 'Initiate Contact' over Transfer for Nice's Jean Michael Seri

Chelsea have reportedly contacted Nice over a possible deal for Jean Michael Seri this summer.

According to L'Equipe (h/t Sport Witness), Chelsea have "learned about the conditions for a transfer" for the midfielder, who is said to have a private agreement with his club that will allow him to leave for €40 million (£35 million).

Manchester City are also mentioned as being an interested party, with L'Equipe having linked them with Seri back in January, per French football writer Rich Allen, who believes a move could do him some good:

Though his form may have come into question this season, Seri would be a good buy and relatively inexpensive in today's market.

Seri notched seven goals and 10 assists for Nice last term, whereas his frequent redeployment in a deeper role in this campaign has seen him contribute one and seven, respectively.

His goals total dropping off is to be expected after the positional change, but it's impressive he has managed to remain a creative force within the side. According to Squawka, he has created 51 chances in 25 Ligue 1 matches this season.

His ability to drive the ball forward is another key facet of his game, and he has completed 33 of the 43 take-ons he has attempted.

On top of that, he distributes the ball like a metronome, per WhoScored.com:

His passing and ball retention are stronger than the likes of Danny Drinkwater in Chelsea's squad, while he's far more mobile and energetic than Cesc Fabregas, and he could give the Blues more control from midfield.

Meanwhile, City star Fernandinho will be 33 in May, so the club will need to begin their search for a long-term replacement.

Seri isn't renowned for his ball-winning capabilities, but he nevertheless possesses many of the qualities that could make him a valuable asset at the Etihad Stadium—whoever lands him this summer will have made a strong acquisition.