2014 FIFA World Cup star agrees £60,000 per week deal to sign on at Emirates Stadium once Arsenal agree a transfer fee with his club.
Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Cote d’Ivoire defender Serge Aurier, and will now attempt to negotiate a transfer fee with the player’s club Toulouse.
The Metro report on a story in French sports publication l’Equipe stating that upon finalising wages of £60,000 per week with the right back, the Gunners have offered his club £8 million to bring him to Emirates Stadium.
Aurier, who is 21 years of age, was voted into Ligue 1’s team of the year after a stellar season at club level.
The Ivorian managed an incredible six goals and six assists from full back in the French top flight, and that attacking influence has continued into the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He assisted both Cote d’Ivoire’s goals against Japan, and performed brilliantly against Colombia too despite his country’s narrow 2-1 loss.
What’s more, Aurier has been able to accomplish such feats going forward without neglecting his defensive duties.
The youngster is nicknamed the Bison for his imposing physical presence, and is brilliant in the air despite being just 5’9″ (176cm) tall.
That enables him to play at centre back effectively too, and three of his goals came from indirect set pieces in Ligue 1 last season.
With 2.8 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 3 clearances per game in the French league, Aurier is a combative player – and only a record of 11 yellow cards in his 34 games will concern Arsene Wenger.
His performances at this summer’s World Cup – with no bookings so far – have been impressive enough to warrant the Gunners boss pushing ahead with a deal that should be Arsenal’s first major step in the summer transfer market.
Aurier should replace Bacary Sagna, who departed for Manchester City on a free transfer after a wonderfully consistent spell in north London.
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