A closer look at Transfer target Serge Aurier

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Over the course of the summer, we’ll be tracking the most realistic potential signings for Arsenal and publishing our profiles and assessment of each footballer.

The Arsenal defence was, even in a season of great stability, extremely thin over the past campaign. Despite the capitulations against Liverpool and Chelsea, the back four was remarkably solid in shielding Szczesny and protecting sometimes tenuous leads in the late stages of a match.

While the reliable axis of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny receive much of the praise, so too must a great deal be levelled at the right-back, Bacary Sagna. At times filling in as a center-back, he was flexible when called upon and an immensely talented in the air and an intelligent reader of the game. The greatest area of improvement Sagna made in the past year is his offensive play. His work down the right flank was fantastic and his delivery into the box displayed few instances of the shakiness seen in seasons past.

Sagna looks to be headed to the Etihad, and replacing him represents one of the greater challenges facing Arsène Wenger this summer. A couple names have been mentioned as potential replacements, but it’s a young Ivorian from Ligue 1 side Toulouse named Serge Aurier who has been most strongly linked.

Aurier is 5’9” with the speed to stick with most wingers. His heading ability is rated highly, one of the attributes that would slide him to the top of the pool at right-back ahead of Carl Jenkinson. The Toulouse right-back can be worked off the ball rather easily, but displays the intelligence and creativity to pass his way out of most jams in which he may find himself.

The Ivorian displays the necessary defensive attributes to start at right-back in his first season in the Premier League. While not an upgrade on Bacary Sagna, (almost certainly a step down) he does offer offensive firepower that is uncommon for a fullback. His crossing off his right foot is wicked, especially from the outer edge of the final third. He also displays great passing ability if involved in a counter-attack and is an enthusiastic and fearless header of the ball.

For a price under £10 million, Aurier would be a great addition to Wenger’s side, especially given the possibility of him growing into a mature footballer in North London.

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