The Gunners look set to sign Aurier.
Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier has begun talks with Arsenal over a £7m transfer and becoming Bacary Sagna’s replacement, reports the Independent.
Despite manager Arsene Wenger’s best efforts it looks certain that Sagna will leave the Emirates Stadium this summer when the Frenchman’s current contract expires.
The 31-year-old has been at the club for seven years following a switch from Auxerre back in 2007 and since then has played 283 times in all competitions and is widely regarded as the best player in his position that the Gunners have had in the Wenger era.
Therefore with Sagna departing the club recruitment is needed, with backup Carl Jenkinson not considered good enough to fill the void left by the France international.
Aurier meanwhile has been gathering admirers in Ligue 1 this season, scoring six goals and providing six assists in the league.
The Ivory Coast international has also been named in his national team’s 2014 World Cup squad ahead of former north London favourite Emmanuel Eboue.
The 21-year-old combines defensive reliability with something that is key to a modern full-back’s armoury – attacking flair.
Aurier’s relatively young age also means the Ivorian could be a stalwart in the side for years to come and join the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere in the north Londoners’ impressive roster of young talent.
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