Harry Redknapp Denied in Efforts to Sign Serge Aurier Ahead of Arsenal

Queens Park Rangers attempted to clinch a deal for Toulouse full back Serge Aurier under the noses of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur only to see their opening offer rejected by the French club.

Aurier, 20, enjoyed a stellar campaign where he was crowned the best right back in Ligue 1 last season and went on to enjoy a bright start to the World Cup with Ivory Coast before they were eliminated at the group stages.

With Bacary Sagna having left the club for Manchester City, Arsenal were understood to be favourites to sign Aurier this summer to help fill the void left on the right hand side of their defence.

North London rivals Tottenham have also been credited with interest in recent weeks but the Evening Standard reports Harry Redknapp attempted to steal a march on both north London clubs and made efforts to sign the starlet for £5m. However, Toulouse have swiftly turned away newly-promoted QPR's bid with Aurier himself believed to have no intention of moving to Loftus Road.

The right back is still expected to leave Toulouse this summer after an excellent 2013/14 season.

"It is certain that I would be a little disappointed to stay in Toulouse, especially after a season like this," Aurier said in an interview with France Eurosport in early May.

"When it's time, I must go. But I'll always be grateful to Toulouse, who helped me when I was in a delicate situation. I will be sad to leave this club."

Aurier fuelled talk of an imminent move to the Emirates a week later when he retweeted a video posted by an Arsenal fan featuring the defender appearing to confirm he was joining the Gunners.

That followed comments he made at the end of last season where he made it unequivocally clear he would jump at the chance to join Arsene Wenger's side.

"I would not refuse Arsenal. This is a club that has a history, which has hosted many French-speakers who also have a French coach. Plus Arsenal is always looking for titles and playing in the Champions League."