Arsenal are set to make their first summer signing in Ivory Coast international and Toulouse young right-back Serge Aurier.

With long-serving player Bacary Sagna leaving the club in wake of the club’s FA Cup triumph, the Gunners are keen to get a replacement in before the World Cup begins in June.

Silky Statistics

Aurier, 21, has been linked with Arsenal for months, his strong season in France turning heads of the biggest and best sides in Europe.

With more tackles (2.8) and interceptions (2.2) per game on average than Sagna (according to WhoScored.com), Wenger’s statistical mind would be keen on adding the young full-back to his revamped squad for next season.

He would also bring a fresh attacking alternative on the right hand side; his successful dribbles per game (1.4) and contribution to 12 goals at his club this season suggesting that he would fit in with the North London clubs philosophy.

The little boy inside

Aurier himself has admitted that it would be hard to turn down a club like Arsenal, revealing that, “You can't really say no to Arsenal.”

"It is a club with history, with a French manager, who has welcomed many France players. Plus, Arsenal are always thereabouts when it comes to trophies and a club that plays in the Champions League."

End of an era

With Manchester City offering Sagna a reported £150,000 per week, Aurier would be a more economical investment and a project that Wenger’s new contract will allow him to develop.

Sagna’s departure to the blue half of Manchester on a free transfer has been in the pipeline for quite some time, French newspaper L’Equipe claiming that a three-year contract has been signed and will be announced in due course.

After being at the club for such a long-time, Sagna was emotional after the club won their first trophy in nine years, telling reporters that, “There’s pride giving a title to these supporters, and personal pride because this is my first trophy with Arsenal.”

He also saved praise for manager Arsène Wenger, saying that, “he has always believed in us. He gave everyone a chance here.” The player gave no assurances on his future.

One in, one out

It will be an emotional day to see Bacary Sagna leave the club after seven years, the boy who turned into a man in front of supporter’s eyes. But, all good things come to an end and to see him complete his Arsenal story with a trophy is as satisfying as it can get.

The end of the trophy drought has signaled a new era for Arsenal, which means that players will come and go in Wenger’s last stretch of his tenure at the Gunners.

He managed to turn Bacary Sagna into an unknown defender to a humble and world-renowned fullback.

With Aurier’s record and potential, as well as age on his side, there is no reason that we cannot learn to love yet another right back from France and go on to win more trophies in style.

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