The Gunners had targeted a move for Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier as a direct replacement for former first-choice right-back Bacary Sagna, who chose to sign for Manchester City as a free agent last month.

A move had been touted for some time with Arsenal considered overwhelming favourites for his signature. However, a move is yet to be finalized and their fierce rivals Spurs have joined the race for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

Kyle Walker is still on the treatment table due to a pelvic injury which forced him out of this summer’s World Cup. There is no fixed timescale for his recovery and new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is eyeing a move for Aurier.

The 21-year-old shone for Ivory Coast in their World Cup campaign and even provided two assists in an eye-catching display against Japan. He was even clocked sprinting at 33.5 kmph against Colombia in the group stages, faster than Netherlands winger Arjen Robben. With those impressive credentials to his name it would we wise for Wenger to move quickly and get the young Ivorian defender signed before another team like the dreaded Tottenham beat us to it. It will be very annoying to watch the ‘nailed-on’ prospect terrorizing other sides while wearing any shirt but the Arsenal.