Serge Aurier Admits he Could Not Turn Down Arsenal Despite Paris Saint Germain Interest

Toulouse full back Serge Aurier believes he has played his last game for the club and is keen on a move to either Arsenal or Paris Saint Germain.

After the Gunners celebrated ending a nine year wait for silverware with their FA Cup triumph on Saturday Bacary Sagna is expected to leave the Emirates this summer having failed to agree to a contract extension.

His departure will leave a gaping hole on the right hand side of the Arsenal defence but 21-year-old Aurier has been identified as the France international's successor following a remarkable campaign with Toulouse, having also previously admitted it would be a dream to play for Arsene Wenger's side.

Following the conclusion of the Ligue 1 campaign the defender has paid tribute to Toulouse, who finished the season in ninth place, but believes he owes it to himself to move onto a club challenging for major honours.

"It is certain that I would be a little disappointed to stay in Toulouse, especially after a season like this," Aurier said in an interview with France Eurosport.

"I'd like to see something else. TFC is a very good club in Ligue 1, with high quality players. Alain Casanova is a coach that I respect a lot. He is an excellent teacher who is proud of his best from players like Sissoko or Capua. I hope that at the end of the season, everyone will be happy. When it's time, I must go. But I'll always be grateful to Toulouse, who helped me when I was in a delicate situation. I will be sad to leave this club. This Saturday (after the final game of the season against Valenciennes), I'm a little weird. I have a heavy heart."

Although his comments earlier this season would suggest Aurier's preferred destination is north London, the starlet insists he has no preference as long as he is winning trophies. However, he admits that the lure of Arsenal would be hard to turn down.

"It has never been my priority (moving to a club in England). I prefer one that shows its commitment to me, who guarantees me playing time. I would not refuse Arsenal. This is a club that has a history, which has hosted many French-speakers who also have a French coach. Plus Arsenal is always looking for titles and playing in the Champions League."

French champions PSG are another club to register serious interest in the defender who admits a move to Parc de Princes is also of interest to him given the success Laurent Blanc's side have enjoyed in recent seasons.

"It's flattering to see clubs like Paris is interested in me. Today I finished my sixth season in Ligue 1 and I'd like to see something else: another championship with other emotions, a different mentality. I want to discover the winning culture, to win trophies."

Aurier's rise in France has seen him become one of the most coveted young full backs in Europe and also earned him a place in the Ivory Coast's 28-man provisional World Cup squad.