Rumour : Arsenal face stiff competition from Chelsea to sign Serge Aurier

Arsenal could face competition in their pursuit of French full-back Serge Aurier this summer as reports are suggesting Chelsea could also be involved in the hunt for his signature.

The Gunners were believed to be lining up a deal for the youngster in the summer as a replacement for Bacary Sagna, who looks destined to leave the Emirates at the end of the season when his contract expires, with no deal agreed to extend his stay in place as of yet.

Arsenal appear to have given up hope of convincing Sagna to remain on their books and had been heavily scouting the progress of Aurier, who seems keen on a move to the Emirates, with a view to a move in the close season.

However, with uncertainty still surrounding the future of manager Arsene Wenger, Arsenal appear to have dallied in tying up any deal for Aurier and, according to Talk Sport, Premier League rivals Chelsea have entered the race to sign him from Toulouse.

The 21-year-old has impressed on the south coast of France this season for Toulouse in providing a series of energetic displays that have seen him get forward enough to have scored six times from the defence.

He is touted to be a future international as one for the hottest prospects in France, and Chelsea could look to tie up a deal during all the uncertainty currently surrounding Arsenal.

Serge Aurier has won 70 tackles in Ligue 1 for Toulouse this season, more than any Arsenal player has achieved in the Premier League. He has also registered six assists, which is more than Santil Cazorla (4).