Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing Serge Aurier and are seeking a £20 million deal for the PSG defender this summer.
According to a report in The Sun, Manchester United are set to move for Serge Aurier in this summer’s transfer window. The Red Devils are eyeing a £20 million deal for the PSG defender, who is all set to depart Parc des Princes following the arrival of Dani Alves.
Aurier joined PSG from Toulouse in the summer of 2014, being snapped up by the French heavyweights after an impressive showing at the World Cup that year. Considered as one of the most promising young defenders in the world back then, the player has blossomed into a formidable right-back.
Over the last three years, Aurier has also been involved in his fair share of controversies, which have restricted his playing time to a large extent. Last season, the 24-year-old made just 32 appearances in all competitions for PSG, losing his place in the starting lineup to Thomas Meunier towards the end of the campaign.
As a result, the player voiced his intentions to depart from the French capital this summer. His place has been put under further uncertainty following the arrival of Dani Alves. And the inevitable was confirmed last week as Unai Emery excluded Aurier from PSG’s squad for their pre-season tour to the USA.
Despite his shortcomings though, the Ivory Coast international remains a highly sought-after player in the transfer market, with several top clubs expressing their interest to sign him this summer. Manchester United, though, are the front runners in pursuit of Aurier.
The Premier League heavyweights do not particularly have a pressing need to sign a right-back in this summer’s transfer window with Antonio Valencia incredibly making the position his own last season.
But, Jose Mourinho has also stressed the importance of constant rotation in order to keep his squad fit throughout the campaign. Darmian is the current understudy to Valencia, but the Italian defender is being heavily linked to a summer exit from Old Trafford, prompting the Manchester United boss to delve into the transfer market.
Mourinho has, thus, set his sights on Aurier. The Ivorian can potentially keep Valencia on his toes while also staking his claim to be the first-choice. And at 24, he can prove to be a long-term solution on the right side of defence, with Valencia on the wrong side of 30.
His marauding runs and accurate cross also make Aurier a perfect fit in Mourinho’s system. Manchester United are confident that they can strike a deal to secure the player’s services this summer and are set to table a £20 million bid for him.
The report also suggests that Aurier is open to making the switch to Old Trafford and it now remains to be seen if Manchester United can clinch a deal for him.
