Arsenal will only make a move for Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri if they offload a number of fringe players before the end of the transfer window, according to the Guardian.
The newspaper also reports that Liverpool have entered the bidding for the 26 year old as they seek to strengthen the centre of midfield. The Reds failed in a £66m attempt to sign Naby Keita earlier this summer from RB Leipzig and seem to have landed on Seri as a possible alternative.
The Ivorian international had an outstanding season for Nice last campaign, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in 39 appearances, but he has a €40m (£36m) buyout clause which Arsenal could only offer if they sell players first.
The midfielder was also a target for Barcelona but the La Liga side have signed former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, and have withdrawn their interest in Seri.