Report: Arsenal lead race for Ivorian defender Serge Aurier

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Ivorian defender Serge Aurier from Toulouse.

The 21-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa and Newcastle United, could be a replacement for Bacary Sagna who looks likely to leave North London this summer.

Aurier has indicated that he is ready to move on, with Arsenal favourites to capture his signature, according to Clubcall.

The same report quotes the player as saying: "I don't think it's too early for me to be moving abroad. It is all about reaching a new step personally. I am not scared."

Aurier joined Lens's youth academy at the age of 12, before making the move to Toulouse in 2012.