Chelsea have moved in on highly-rated Toulouse defender Serge Aurier after deploying a scout to cast an eye over the in-demand 21 year-old.
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea scout Guy Hillion was present at the Stadium Muncipal to watch Toulouse succumb to Lille in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening, a match in which Aurier scored in.
The versatile Ivorian defender, predominantly a right-back, is sought after by several Premier League clubs, most prominently Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger has lined up Aurier, a Gunners supporter, as a natural replacement to current right-back Bacary Sagna, whose future at the Emirates Stadium is uncertain. The Frenchman has reportedly agreed to a four year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray and is being pursued by Inter Milan.
Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi has kept a close eye on the Ivory Coast international, who could cost the Gunners £6m.
Aston Villa and Newcastle have reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring the services of the Toulouse full-back, but will face stern competition from Chelsea.
Aurier is not concerned about the perfectly feasible prospect of leaving France with strong interest from the Premier League contingent.
“I don’t think it is too early for me to be moving abroad,” Aurier is quoted as saying.
“It is all about reaching a new step personally. I am not scared.”
Well, Jose Mourinho will be looking to reshape his defensive set-up at Chelsea. The future of David Luiz has been speculated in the media and Mourinho could sign another highly rated youngster but could face a tough competition from London rivals Arsenal.
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