African right-back denies agreeing a move to Arsenal, but admits he would like to play in England.
Ivory Coast and Toulouse defender Serge Aurier has admitted that he is keen on a move to England this summer.
The attack-minded right-back, who started all three of his country’s games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, had been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
In fact, it was even incorrectly reported that Aurier, 21, had agreed a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, the Gunners now appear poised to sign Newcastle United’s Mathieu Debuchy as their replacement for Bacary Sagna, who recently joined champions Manchester City on a free transfer.
Although Arsenal looks like an unlikely destination, Aurier would still love to play in the Premier League.
He may well be set for a stay in Ligue 1 though, with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco now said to be leading the race for his signature.
“People say that there was an agreement for me to join Arsenal, that I had already signed,” he told Foot Mercato. “That is not true.
“All that I can say is that England is the league I like the most. Things are clear. I have always preferred a move to England, because it is the league that suits me the best.
“At the moment, I have not given my agreement to any club, whoever they might be and am therefore free to talk to whoever I want.”
He added: “To play in England is my dream, but sometimes dreams do not come true. If PSG and Monaco are interested, one does not ignore them.
“I have heard rumours of PSG’s interest in me. It is a very good club, one of the best in Europe.
“It is a club that is part of the top eight in Europe and it is interesting to know that clubs with incredible resources to buy anybody are interested in me.
“Also, I’m a Parisian, so that strengthens my sentiments. After that, I let the people around me deal with it.
“PSG and Monaco can meet with my representatives and we will see what happens. What I want is a club where I have guarantees that I will play.”
Aurier has four years left to run on his current contract at Toulouse.
He started 34 league games last season, scoring six goals and providing six assists.
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