While Arsenal fans rejoice the signing of Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pépé and William Saliba, there is one big issue the club still have to deal with, and that’s Laurent Koscielny’s future.
Refusing to travel on pre-season with the Gunners, the centre-back made it clear he wanted to leave the Emirates this summer, desiring a return to France if he could secure it.
Both Rennes and Bordeaux have been heavily linked with the veteran defender, with the former of the two admitting to talks a few months back, but making it clear they weren’t holding any these days.
The latter, however, are still very much hard at work to secure Koscielny’s signature, as Paulo Sousa, their manager, wants the former France international above everyone else.
According to L’Equipe, both Hugo Varela, an advisor, and Eduardo Macia, their director of football, were in London on Friday to meet Arsenal about the Frenchman.
Their aim was to convince the Premier League side to cancel Koscielny’s contract, which is set to expire in a year’s time.
That’s their preferred option, but it’s stated the Ligue 1 club would be prepared to pay a sum for the player if they have to.
However, for now, Arsenal’s demands are too high.
