The Gunners have released a statement after the refusal of the Skipper Laurent Koscielny to involve in the pre-season tour.
Arsenal Skipper Laurent Koscielny has refused to regroup with his teammates for the United States Pre-Season tour. The Gunners are about to fly to the American continent as they kick off their pre-season games from Monday.
In an official statement released by the club, it stated about the disappointing action from their trendsetter and avowed not to produce any further statement until the resolvement.
The statement is as follows: “Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour.
“We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions. We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
Rumours have been floating about Koscielny’s intention to terminate his current contract which expires in a year. The 33-year-old is still seen as a cardinal player of the group, but he has taken matters in his own hands by forcing a move away from the club. If a right offer is placed on the table, Unai Emery will happily cash in on him albeit losing him for nothing while battling out with financial difficulties.
Bordeaux have reportedly offered him a three-year contract, prompting him to take action to move back to his country. The central defender joined Arsenal during the summer of 2010 for a fee of around £10 million.
He has played 353 times for the Gunners and won the FA Cup twice, in 2014 and 2015. Last season, Koscielny played 30 times for his club, including an appearance for the Under-21 when he was en route to his recovery from an injury.
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Club statement on Laurent Koscielny
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 11, 2019
Breaking | Arsenal club captain Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the United States for the London side’s pre-season tour – official statement.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) July 11, 2019
Laurent Koscielny has for several weeks been asking Arsenal for a mutual termination agreement so that he can accept 1 of the 3 firm offers he has from Ligue 1. They’ve so far refused.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) July 11, 2019
Arsenal will confirm tour squad soon. Koscielny’s decision has thrown makeup of that party into confusion and leaves transfer plans in disarray. Club had wanted to sign another CB, sell Mustafi and package Chambers in Zaha deal.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) July 11, 2019
Full story here. Arsenal would have considered selling Koscielny this summer (for the right price) but they’re hugely reluctant to rip up his contract to do him a favour… https://t.co/PTFcpe0D8z
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) July 11, 2019
What’s next?
Laurent Koscielny will be asked to rejoin his teammates irrespective of his future, which could lie at the Emirates or elsewhere. Unai Emery will be disappointed with the action from the Skipper, who is the current longest-serving player. The Gunners will play Colorado Rapids on Monday, followed by the friendlies against Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Real Madrid, Lyon, Angers, and Barcelona.
