Laurent Koscielny leaving Arsenal to join Bordeaux

• Posted on August 6, 2019
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Arsenal hoping to replace him with either RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano or Juventus defender Daniele Rugani

Laurent Koscielny will join Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, Arsenal have confirmed.

Arsenal have agreed a £4.6m fee with Bordeaux after head coach Unai Emery failed to convince the centre-back to remain at the club.

Koscielny has arrived for his medical, sources in France have told Sky Sports News.

The French international had stressed throughout the summer he wanted to return to his homeland and refused to go on the club’s tour of the United States last month. 

Koscielny wanted to leave on a free transfer and thought he would be allowed after nine years of service, something Arsenal refused to entertain.

His first choice was to join Rennes but the two clubs were unable to agree a fee.

It is understood Arsenal are in the market for a central defender following Koscielny’s imminent departure.

The club are interested in RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano – but it is thought a combination of valuation and the player wanting to stay for Champions League football could make a deal difficult.

Arsenal are also keen on Daniele Rugani from Juventus.

It is thought the move could be easier to do before the window closes as Juventus may consider a loan deal with an option to buy following the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax. 

Juventus Sporting Director Fabio Paratici is reportedly already in the UK discussing other deals including Romelu Lukaku’s potential transfer from Manchester United.

Arsenal are expected to be busy with ins and outs before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday.

Sky sources understand talks between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest over Carl Jenkinson are continuing.

Both clubs are keen for a deal to be struck before the deadline.

Skysports