Perennial German champions, Bayern Munich, have targeted Arsenal’s centre back, Laurent Koscielny, 30.
Since joining from Lorient six years ago, Koscielny has become the mainstay of Arsenal’s defence. He is widely regarded as the last ‘unpolished gem’ uncovered by Arsene Wenger from the French leagues.
Reports suggest that the defender, currently with France at Euro 2016, is under contract until 2019, putting Arsenal in a strong position to retain his services. A contract renewal signed two years ago, was initially believed to be for just three seasons but it has emerged that the north London club tied the player down to a longer deal.
With the arrival of Matts Hummels, 27, from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern’s interest centres around the future of Medhi Benatia, 29, who has become disillusioned by life on the Bavarian’s bench. The Moroccan, signed from Roma in 2014, has yet to make his fiftieth appearance for Bayern and wants a fresh start.
Persuading Koscielny to leave his regular berth in the Arsenal starting XI will be no easy task for the German club. With Jerome Boateng in imperious form, it’s hard to see Koscielny forcing his way into the Bayern line-up.
Without regular first-team football, it’s hard to see the Arsenal defender keeping his hard-won place in the French international team and that may prove to be the persuasive argument for staying at the Emirates.
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