According to Football Insider, Serge Aurier has turned down a move to Spartak Moscow as he’s unwilling to play in Russia. The 27-year-old is expected to leave Tottenham this summer after struggling for consistency last season while falling down the pecking order this campaign, but we’ll now have to find him another club before the transfer window shuts next month.
Could Aurier play hardball?
Possibly. In his eyes, he’s treated unfairly by Jose Mourinho, having been a regular last season before being dropped this campaign. In 2019/20, Aurier made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals with eight assists. In 2020/21, he’s been an unused substitute in both Premier League games and only featured in our Europa League qualifier against Shkendija Tetovo.
Matt Doherty was brought in from Wolverhampton Wanderers and has been installed as our first-choice right-back. Aurier is his backup and could spend the season on the periphery. A permanent move away would suit all parties, but Aurier has no obligation to accept any offer. The Ivorian international has two years remaining on his deal and won’t want his career to spiral at a mediocre club, so we could be stuck with him.
Who else could he join?
The only other club that have shown an interest in signing Aurier permanently are AC Milan. We’ve been in talks with the Rossoneri all summer and RMC Sport (h/t GFFN) say we’re still discussing a potential deal, but time is running out. The transfer window shuts in nine days.
Aurier is keen on a move to the San Siro, but he’s had no official approach to accept. All Milan have to do is match our valuation for the 26-year-old and they could land his signature.
Daniel Levy paid £22.5m for Aurier in 2017 but is resigned to taking a loss on his given his dwindling reputation. Transfermarkt say his market value is £14.4m while CIES Football Observatory believe he’s worth €20m-€30m (£18.3m-£27.4m). We’re likely to accept the bottom end of that asking price, but Milan need to pull their finger out.