COUP AT EMIRATE! Arsenal Captain, Laurent Koscielny REFUSES To Travel For Pre-season
Arsenal captain, Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel with his teammates for their pre-season tour of the United States.
This was confirmed by the club in a terse statement on Thursday morning.
It read:
“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 & will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
It is believed that the 34-year-old defender wants the club to cancel his contract, so he can consider offers to return to France.
Arsenal had been in talks with Koscielny over his future since late last season and, at that point, the club felt things were moving in a positive direction.
However, the 33-year-old returned from his summer break and asked to be released from his contract a year before it expires, which Arsenal refused.
Negotiations have been taking place over the past few weeks, without resolution.
On Wednesday, Koscielny communicated his intention not to join the squad on their pre-season tour to the USA – and on arrival at the Gunners’ London Colney training ground this morning he confirmed this decision.
The flight was due to depart at 12:30 BST without the Frenchman who, while facing disciplinary measures, will be expected to continue training and if he refuses to do so will be in breach of contract. He has not been stripped of the captaincy as things stand.
Koscielny’s behaviour has stunned Arsenal officials, who were already looking to use the transfer market to strengthen in central defence but had no intention of parting with their skipper unless a suitable offer arrived.
As yet they have received no offers, but it is understood Koscielny has options lined up that would see him return to France if he was a free agent.