Arsenal are actively looking to offload captain Laurent Koscielny for £10 million to raise funds for other targets.
Arsenal’s plans of shaking up their squad are evident from how they have fared in the transfer market so far. The Gunners are actively linked to several players, while their departure list is only growing. The Sun are reporting Arsenal are demanding as much as 10 million for the long-serving defender and captain Laurent Koscielny as they deem the Frenchman surplus.
Despite a heroic return from a gruesome injury last season, Koscielny finds his future called into question at the club. The captain made himself a key component of Unai Emery’s side last season, although couldn’t guide the club to a historic Europa League Final victory. There were reports of the club talking to Koscielny about his future, but The Sun reckons those haven’t gone too well.
That said, Arsenal are looking to cash in on the 33-year-old as they believe he still has some value left in the market. Borussia Dortmund are said to be keen on the defender, and so far have been the only club linked with a move for the Frenchman. Koscielny had previously suggested he would like to return to Lorient one day, but as things stand that does not look a possibility.
Arsenal’s more pressing issue is to reinforce their side this summer with players deemed fit for Emery’s plans. Their links to various players have not been concrete enough so far, but Arsenal are looking at targets, especially in defensive and wide areas. But in the current inflated market, they are finding it hard to come to terms with the price tags each of their targets have.
Due to missing out on a place in the Champions League, Emery has to make do with a small budget of £40 million this summer. This figure could increase if Arsenal can sell some of their stars deemed surplus by the manager. Koscielny’s name has emerged on this list and the £10 million, Arsenal are demanding could undoubtedly boost their coffers.
William Saliba of Saint-Etienne is regarded as one of their prime defensive targets. Emery wants to add the 18-year-old to his squad for next season and might consider him as a long-term replacement for Koscielny. Any deal could hit complications owing to the money the French club might demand for the 18-year-old, as big spenders Manchester City are also showing an interest.
Additionally, many at the club do not envisage Koscielny playing week after week considering his age and injury history in recent times. His form dipped at the end of last season when Arsenal collapsed to throw away a top-four place.
A move to Borussia Dortmund or somewhere else might be an exciting prospect for Koscielny, who might want to consider this one last chance at a big club. It may be time for Arsenal to move on from their long-serving defender, but getting £10 million for him might help them to explore the transfer market further.
