Koscielny gets wish for move to France
Laurent Koscielny has joined Bordeaux after Arsenal agreed to sell him for around £4.6million.
Koscielny has been desperate to return to France this summer and refused to go on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States in an attempt to force a move.
The defender had hoped that Arsenal would allow him to leave for free, despite having one year left on his contract, but the club were adamant that they would only let him go if they received a fee.
In a statement, Arsenal said: “We decided to sanction his move to Bordeaux once we agreed acceptable transfer terms.” Unai Emery, the head coach, had tried to convince Koscielny to stay. The defender turns 34 next month but the coaching staff believed he could still be a crucial player this season before the arrival of teenage centre-back William Saliba, who signed this summer from St-etienne but has been loaned back to the French club for the 2019-20 campaign.
Koscielny signed from Lorient in 2010 and was part of three FA Cupwinning sides under Arsene Wenger, making 353 appearances in total. Arsenal are continuing to pursue another centre-back before the transfer deadline tomorrow. There is interest in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, but it is understood that the financial figures being quoted by the Italian club are out of Arsenal’s reach.
Reports in Italy have said that Juventus want £50 million for the 25-year-old, who has made seven appearances for Italy. Arsenal also rate Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, but the German side are reportedly holding out for a fee of around £70 million for the 20-year-old.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are in talks with Nottingham Forest over the departure of Carl Jenkinson. The right-back made just three appearances in the Premier League last season and is not part of Emery’s first-team plans.
Arsenal will allow striker Eddie Nketiah to leave on loan, with Championship clubs Bristol City and Leeds United both understood to be interested in the 20-year-old, who impressed on Arsenal’s preseason tour.