According to Ekrem Konur, Arsenal have started talks with Serge Aurier. The Tottenham right-back was released by the North London giants recently after the deadline day arrival of Emerson. And it appears he has been offered to arch-rivals Arsenal, who have already been cleared to begin negotiations with the Ivorian international this summer.
Serge Aurier’s Struggles At Tottenham Hotspur
Serge Aurier had joined Tottenham Hotspur back in 2017, for a fee of €25 million. He was signed to offer more competition for Kieran Trippier, who eventually left for Atletico Madrid in 2019, paving the way for the Ivorian to become the first-choice right-back.
However, the former PSG man never really managed to perform well in North London. During his three year spell at Tottenham, the defender racked up 110 competitive appearances, but struggled with a lack of consistency and was always a liability defensively.
As a result, the 28-year-old was relieved from his role as a first-choice left-back last season, with coach Jose Mourinho trying out various solutions, including Japhet Tanganga. It resulted in a significant decrease in game-time, especially after the addition of Matt Doherty last summer.
In addition to his lack of performances on the pitch, Aurier was also involved in various off-pitch controversies at Tottenham. The club ultimately released the player in the summer, terminating the contract through mutual agreement.
Was It A Mistake From The Club?
Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to offload Serge Aurier did not surprise many. The move made sense from all perspectives, especially from a sporting one after the club had brought in Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian was roped in from Barcelona to bolster the right-back department. But it is perhaps fair to point that Spurs have had immense success with Tanganga as the main right-back so far this season, while the club also has the option of Doherty, whose experience of working under Nuno at Wolves could propel him to success.
The decision to release Aurier, therefore, was a sound one, as far as Tottenham Hotspur are concerned. His potential move to Arsenal shouldn’t faze the Lilywhites, as the Ivorian will not be an upgrade over the departed Hector Bellerin, judging by his performances in the Premier League.
In many ways, the 28-year-old could end up being a liability for the Gunners with his wages and given the club’s dismal start to the campaign, it won’t be surprising to see the move turning into another disaster for Mikel Arteta and Edu.
