Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier has admitted to French media that a move to Arsenal was close, but talks failed to materialise, resulting in the Gunners signing Mathieu Debuchy instead.

I Wanted To Go To Arsenal

Speaking to le10sport.com, Aurier confirmed that the Gunners approached his representatives and despite the player himself being keen on a move, Arsène Wenger decided to look elsewhere for a new right back.

Get France Football quote Aurier as saying,

"There was an approach from Arsenal and I wanted to go there, but it didn't happen. I am very happy for Mathieu Debuchy.”

Debuchy Joins

Despite an impressive individual display at the World Cup, Arsenal decided to pursue Debuchy, who became the second Arsenal signing of the summer, costing the club an estimated £12 million.

At 21-years-old, Aurier would have proved something more of a gamble to the Gunners and Debuchy’s good form in keeping Bacary Sagna out of the French national team was one of the reasons that he was so keenly courted.

A Glimmer Of Hope

While there is speculation that the North London club are looking for another right-back to replace an uncertain Carl Jenkinson, it is unlikely they will spend in excess of £8 million for the Ivorian.

However, Arsène Wenger has admitted that if Thomas Vermaelen were to leave the club, he would be in the market for a centre-back, which could include a versatile full-back.

One Day a Gunner

Aurier looked the part at the World Cup, but with Premier League experience on his side, Debuchy is the sensible and economical transfer decision.

Whether or not it will prove the right choice in the long-term remains to be seen, but with youth on Aurier’s side, it is not illogical to think that he could still be a Gunner one day.

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