Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Laurent Koscielny to Bordeaux this summer. The 33-year-old had made the intention clear to leave the club after refusing to travel with the first-team squad for the pre-season tour of the United States and the Gunners have now sanctioned his departure after agreeing on a package of around £4.6m with the French outfit.
“Laurent Koscielny is leaving us to join Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. The centre back has made 353 appearances for us since signing from Lorient in 2010. He was part of our Emirates FA Cup-winning squads in 2014, 2015 and 2017. Laurent, who started his career in the French second division at Guingamp in 2004, has played 51 matches for France and was entering the final year of his current contract with us. We decided to sanction his move to Bordeaux once we agreed acceptable transfer terms. We thank Laurent for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
Koscielny had served the north London giants for the past nine seasons and during this period, he was able to transform into one of the most consistent performers. He had likewise earned praise for ignoring big-club interest from the likes of Bayern Munich but the nature of the departure this summer has undoubtedly drawn criticism from a section of the supporters.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman’s exit is expected to pave the way for a new central defensive addition before the transfer window closes on Thursday. Juventus’ Daniele Rugani and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano have been earmarked as the big-money options for the Gunners, but of late, there has also been the surprise mention of David Luiz, who is currently in the ranks of Chelsea. Arsenal start their league campaign with an away trip to St James Park to face Newcastle United this weekend.