Arsenal Prepare Swoop for Serge Aurier as Replacement for Bacary Sagna - Report

Arsenal are preparing an approach in signing Toulouse defender Serge Aurier in the summer, according to the Tutto Mercato Web.

The Gunners have Bacary Sagna as the first choice right-back in the squad. The French international's contract at the Emirates runs out at the end of the season and he has refused to sign an extension, despite the north London side offering him a new deal.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that Sagna may exit Arsenal at the end of the season while admitting that the Gunners will respond if he leaves.

"That is not close to be closed. I will have to accept it [if Sagna leaves]. Only he can decide that now. If he goes we will accept it and respond," Wenger explained.

The Tutto Mercato Web claims Wenger has set his sights on Aurier and is planning a bid in landing the right-back in the coming transfer window. With Sagna likely to leave the Emirates on a free transfer in the summer, the 21-year-old can be a direct replacement for the French full-back next season.

The north London club remain confident they can bring Aurier to the Emirates as Wenger is positive about completing the deal. The French manager is eyeing the Ivory Coast international as a long-term replacement for Sagna.

Meanwhile, Aurier has made no secret of his desire to make a switch to north London after revealing that it was his dream to play for Arsenal. The right-back believes it will be hard to turn down an offer from the Gunners.

"You cannot refuse Arsenal. You can ask any player if he would play for Arsenal and I think he would respond positively without hesitation," Aurier explained.

"It is certain that Arsenal is a dream. It's clear that it's good, even if there is nothing concrete. It doesn't leave me indifferent that my profile is of interest to ambitious clubs. But it doesn't distract me."

"England is a championship where smaller clubs can beat the bigger clubs. Everyone would like to play there, this is a championship which is a little crazy, with a great atmosphere in the stadiums."

"This is the league that suits me the most, in terms of my commitment, my playing style. Later, Germany and Spain may also be pleasant," the Toulouse defender concluded.