Arsenal have moved in pole position in the race to sign Jean-Michael Seri.
Metro has claimed that Barcelona have pulled out of the race, allowing the Gunners to make a final move for the midfielder.
The Spanish giants are not ready to pay the player's £36million release clause and have withdrawn their interest.
Last week, the 24-year-old confirmed that he could leave Nice this summer.
"There are a lot of clubs that follow me. But there is nothing done," he said.
"If I leave, it will be to join a club where there is a real desire to play football as in Nice.
"And I'm not going to be on the bench, I'm leaving only if I know I'm going to play."
