Arsenal ‘offered chance to sign Serge Aurier on free transfer’ following Tottenham release

Arsenal have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Serge Aurier after the right-back left Tottenham earlier this week. The Ivory Coast international is available on a free transfer after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract with Spurs on deadline day after he failed to earn a move before the transfer window closed.

Lille were among the clubs interested in his services but the move failed to materialise after their full-back Zeki Celik’s transfer to Atletico Madrid collapsed.

Aurier, therefore, stayed put but he was told quite clearly by Nuno Espirito Santo that he was not part of his plans.

Ideally, Spurs were still looking to recoup a respectable fee for the former Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse man but other interest was few and far between.

Japhet Tanganga has impressed at right-back in the wins over Manchester City, Wolves and Watford, while Tottenham also swooped to sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona on deadline day.

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Arsenal are already well-stocked at right-back though despite Hector Bellerin’s loan move to Real Betis.

New signing Takehiro Tomiyasu can play there while Cedric Soares, Calum Chambers and Ainsley Maitland-Niles also provide cover.

Cedric remains a target for Fenerbahce, who are still able to sign players as the Turkish transfer window is not closed yet.

He is unlikely to leave though with Mikel Arteta happy with his performances and experience around the squad.

It’s understood Watford, Real Betis, Spartak Moscow and Genoa all expressed an interest in Aurier.

The 28-year-old is said to have turned down the moves though as he still believes he can play at the highest level – that being the Champions League.

Aurier arrived from PSG in August 2017 and became a regular in the side under Jose Mourinho following the departure of Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid.

He said on his departure: “I have really enjoyed my time at Spurs and would like to thank the Club and the fans, but I feel now is the right time for me to move onto a new challenge.”