According to reports in Express, Arsenal have emerged as surprise suitors for Serge Aurier, who is a free agent now after agreeing on mutual termination of his contract at Tottenham Hotspur.
The 28-year-old joined Spurs in 2017 from Paris Saint-Germain. In a span of four years, he amassed 110 appearances for the club. Following the arrival of Emerson Royal, the Ivory Coast international has fallen down the pecking order of Nuno Espirito Santo’s team.
Express claims that Technical director Edu and Mikel Arteta have been offered the chance to secure the services of Aurier for free. Arteta has given the ‘green light’ to proceed with the move, meaning the club can open talks with the player over a potential switch to the red side of North London.
Sky Sports previously claimed that the right-back is keen on staying in England, and the Gunners are aware of his preference. He attracted offers from various clubs in France, Russia, and Turkey. However, since no suitable offer arrived, a decision was made to mutually terminate the player’s contract. Arsenal are desperate to add a quality right-back to their ranks despite signing Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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The north Londoners has been in the transfer market for a right-back after releasing Hector Bellerin on loan for Real Betis. They secured the signature of Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu for a reported fee of £16m on deadline day.
Arteta also has Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Cedric available at his disposal. However, the opportunity to sign an experienced defender like Aurier on a free deal could be very tempting. The 28-year-old had a good start to life in England, but his form seems to have dipped in recent years.
Aurier managed to make just 19 league appearances for Spurs last season. He was also axed from the starting line-up by Jose Mourinho after the fullback committed some defensive blunders.
Arsenal, in the past, have signed players on lucrative contracts only to regret it later. The Ivorian brings a lot of experience with him and could be a leader in the dressing room. This would be a sensible signing only if the Gunners tie him down on a short-term contract, reducing the risk of this gamble.
Meanwhile, the North London club are at the bottom of the Premier League with three defeats in as many games conceding nine goals without a goal scored. They will look open their scoring account as they take on Norwich at the Emirates in a week’s time.
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