Transfer News: Defender Wants Arsenal Move | Liverpool Told To Pay £24m For Winger

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Serge Aurier issues a come and get me plea to Arsenal while Liverpool need to pay £24m to land Juan Manuel Iturbe.

Aurier wants Arsenal move

First up and the Express carry quotes from Toulouse defender Serge Aurier who has opened the door to a move to Arsenal after claiming he wouldn’t be able to resist a switch to north London.

With Bacary Sagna expected to leave the Gunners when his contract expires next month after failing to agree terms over an extension, Arsene Wenger has been linked with a whole host of right backs in recent weeks.

One name that has consistently cropped up in the gossip columns is Serge Aurier with the Ivory Coast international enjoying a hugely impressive season in France, where his adventurous displays down the right earned him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

Widespread reports earlier this week suggested that Wenger was lining up a £7m move for the 21-year-old if Sagna does indeed leave the club, and it seems the youngster would jump at the chance of linking up with the French boss in north London. He said:

“It is true that I would be a bit disappointed to stay in Toulouse after a season like this one. I want to try something else.

“I have never prioritised a club in England as even the promoted clubs are respectable, so I would take the opportunity for the one that will show the most interest in me, that will give me the most game time.

“After 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.” Aurier is quoted as saying by the Express.

Aurier is a strong, fast and powerful right-back who is also capable of playing in the center of defence if needed, so he would be the ideal replacement for Sagna if the 31-year-old ends his six-year stay at the Emirates.

However, Arsenal are unlikely to make any formal approach for Aurier, or any other right-back for that matter, until Sagna’s future is resolved, but it seems the Toulouse defender is ready to make the move if Wenger comes calling.

Liverpool quoted £24m for Iturbe

Next up and sticking with the Express, they are also reporting that Liverpool have been told they will have to pay £24m to land highly-rated winger Juan Manuel Iturbe this summer.

The newspaper claims that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has sent scouts to keep an eye on the youngster over the past 12 months and is ready to make an official move to sign him over the coming weeks.

The 20-year-old has just enjoyed an excellent season-long loan at Verona where he scored 8 goals in 33 appearances, and it’s understood that the Serie A outfit have a £12m deal in place with parent club Porto to make the move permanent this summer.

However, the Express suggest that Verona are aware they can turn a quick profit and have now told Liverpool it will take a bid of at least £24m to persuade them to cash-in on the pacey winger.

Verona sporting director Sean Sogliano confirmed the club’s valuation of the player and says he’s ready to hold talks with any interested party who is prepared to meet that figure.

“Iturbe? For me he is worth more than £24m.

“If we can sell at a figure to make a fortune for Verona he may leave…I do not know where he will go. I will only sit down with those who really want him.” Sogliano is quoted as saying by the Express

Verona are playing a clever game and with Liverpool not the only club believed to be interested in Iturbe, they are understandably trying to drive the price up and potentially create a bidding war.  Whether any club will be prepared to pay their valuation remains to be seen but the Argentine is certainly an exciting talent.

Rodgers is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer building a squad capable of competing in the Champions League next season, and Iturbe would add further depth to their already hugely talented attacking options. He’s not likely to command a first team place ahead of the likes of Raheem Sterling or Philippe Coutinho just yet, but he’d be a dangerous option to have on the bench and no doubt he would improve vastly under the tutelage of Rodgers at Anfield.

However, we’ll have to wait and see if Liverpool decide to make their interest formal, and if they do they’ll have to be prepared to spend big on the youngster.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

So there’s your latest transfer news. Would Arsenal fans like to see Aurier replace Sagna? Would Liverpool supporters pay £24m for Iturbe? Share your views below.