After spending nine years at Arsenal, French center-back Laurent Koscielny has joined Ligue 1 side Bordeaux for £4.6m.
The former Arsenal captain made his intentions clear on a transfer earlier this summer when he refused to join the Gunners on their pre-season tour in the United States.
Arsenal expressed their displeasure in the player’s behavior, forcing Koscielny to practice with the youth team even after the senior team returned from abroad.
Laurent Koscielny is leaving us to join Ligue 1 side Bordeaux
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 6, 2019
How does Arsenal replace the former captain?
“The centre back has made 353 appearances for us since signing from Lorient in 2010,” Arsenal said on its website. “He was part of our Emirates FA Cup-winning squads in 2014, 2015 and 2017.”
Koscielny’s departure leaves Unai Emery with a shocker going into the start of the new Premier League season. The Gunners back-line is already in need of huge repair, having conceded 70 goals in all competitions last year.
However, the 33-year old’s exit gives Arsenal the extra funds they need to finalize the deal for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. Celtic have already rejected two bids from the North London club, demanding at least a £25million fee for the Scotland international.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and Juventus’ Daniele Rugani as well.
