Blues could challenge Arsenal for signature of Ivory Coast starlet.
Chelsea scouts watched Arsenal target Serge Aurier in action during Toulouse’s 2-1 home defeat to Lille on Saturday, according to Inside Futbol.
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The powerful defender has admitted it would be a ‘dream’ to play for Arsenal but Chelsea could now launch a summer bid for the 21-year-old.
“Arsenal, you can’t refuse”, Aurier is quoted as saying by the Mirror earlier this month.
“You can ask any player if he would play at Arsenal. I think he would respond positively without hesitation.
“This is a legendary club and we all know the many French players who have played a part in the history of Arsenal.
“Of course, it is a dream.”
The seven-cap Ivory Coast international has a contract with Toulouse until 2018 but looks likely to swap the mid-table Ligue 1 outfit for a Champions League club in the summer.
Aurier, who is set to be part of his country’s World Cup squad in Brazil, has scored six goals and added a further six assists in just 28 league appearances this summer.
The youngster is equally comfortable at right back and centre half – positions that both Arsenal and Chelsea need to strengthen in the summer.
The Gunners appear increasingly likely to lose first choice right back Bacary Sagna on a free transfer, with the France international no closer to resolving his contract row with the club.
Club captain Thomas Vermaelen is also set to depart in pursuit of first team football.