After facing disappointment in their pursuit of Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint Germain have reportedly turned their attention towards former player Serge Aurier. The Parisiens are in need of a right-back this summer, with the Spurs man touted for a return to his ex-club.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Paris Saint Germain are close to re-signing Serge Aurier on a long-term deal from Tottenham Hotspur. The Ivorian will be reunited with his former boss Mauricio Pochettino in Paris, who was influential in bringing him to London initially. PSG have been linked with Achraf Hakimi recently, although their approach was reportedly turned down by Inter Milan, who are holding out for more money for their star man.
PSG are expected to pay Spurs 20 million euros for Aurier, reports Galetti. The right-back left Paris four years ago to sign for the North London outfit and has since established himself as the starting defender in that position at the club. Spurs did sign Matt Doherty from Wolves to provide competition to Aurier last summer, but the Ivorian kept his place in the first team.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team is on the lookout for a new right-back after the departure of Alessandro Florenzi. The Italian spent last season on loan at the Parc des Princes, but the club refused to make his deal permanent. As a result, PSG are left with only one natural option in that position – academy graduate Colin Dagba – although Thilo Kehrer has often been deployed out wide by managers.
PSG were pushing hard for Hakimi as per reports last week. However, Chelsea joined them in the race for the Moroccan, and the two engaged in a bidding war. So far, neither bid has been accepted by Inter Milan, who are looking to bank more money for their star asset. Reports suggest that Chelsea have offered players plus cash to the Italian champions, but the two clubs aren’t in advanced negotiations yet. Hakimi joined Inter last summer from Real Madrid and enjoyed a stellar debut season. However, financial problems at the Milanese club mean that he could be on his way out already.
