Tottenham Hotspur’s Serge Aurier was apparently wanted by Atletico Madrid this summer.
According to a report from RMC Sport, Atletico Madrid pursued a deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier this summer – and whilst he was keen, a move fell apart.
Aurier, 25, was one of the most in-demand right backs around after an impressive 2014 World Cup campaign with Toulouse, and his move to Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to see him take the next step.
However, the Ivorian failed to really nail down a spot with PSG and moved on Tottenham last summer, with Spurs paying £23million (Sky Sports) to land him as a replacement for Kyle Walker.
Again though, Aurier struggled to impose himself on a team, as Kieran Trippier was far more trustworthy, with many questioning Aurier’s defensive abilities and his mental approach to the game.
Aurier did start against Newcastle United on Saturday, and teed up Dele Alli’s winner with a stunning cross, but Trippier remains first choice – and reports are now emerging that an early exit almost occurred for Aurier this summer.
RMC Sport claim that Atletico Madrid held talks about a deal to sign Aurier, and whilst Spurs were open to a deal and Aurier himself was interested in a move, the transfer collapsed, leaving Aurier to stay in North London.
Atletico were looking for a right back to replace Sime Vrsaljko following his move to Inter Milan, and eventually settled for PSV Eindhoven’s Santiago Arias once a move for Aurier collapsed.
A move to the Spanish side would’ve been a major shock off the back of his first season with Spurs, and whilst Pochettino will be hoping to help Aurier improve this season, it would be little surprise to see him on the move in 2019.
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