When Arsenal is all set to kick off their new era, the oldest tree in the squad made up his mind to leave the side. The deep back defender Laurent Koscielny decided to leave Emirates though it is going to happen in this season. The French international has a current deal until 2020, after which he may not give it a renewal. Koscielny is currently not available as he is suffering from an Achilles tendon problem. The injury is quite serious that the Frenchman may not come back before 2019 mid-season. The 32-years-old centre-back joined the Gunners from Lorient eight years ago and made a monstrous 320 appearances for the Gunners. He had FA Cup and Community shield twice each for Arsenal and has spent a mesmerising eight years journey in north London.
The absence of the most experienced guy in the deep will definitely affect the squad where the other one, Per Mertesacker has also taken his retirement. He has also won the Community shield twice and FA cup thrice. The World Cup winner for the Deutschland has spent seven years at Emirates having more than 150 appearances.
Arsenal knew it from before and that is why they have signed two quality defenders this season. The Premier League side have invested their money in the centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who joined from Borussia Dortmund and right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner being signed from Juventus. On the other hand, the attacking options are looking quite fascinating with Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan, Ozil and Lacazette in the forward line. Koscielny must stay patient about his injury as the France international still expects to play a role this season, though he added that he could leave the Londoners when his contract expires in two years.
He said that he is under contract until June 2020 and he is thinking of moving on afterwards. Though he didn’t mention any particular place. Koscielny lives in England, so his my family, which may make it troublesome to go anywhere else.
On the other news, Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is being linked with Chelsea and he may join the Sarri brigade this time. Ramsey has only one year left in his contract at Emirates where Arsenal is also ready to sell the midfielder as they did to Wilshere. Arsenal is being linked with Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele. The 21-year-old is rumoured with a move to Arsenal despite joining Barcelona for a massive £135m deal last summer.
Though it seems the teenager World Cup winner is desperate to stay at Camp Nou as he has already come back in training cutting his holidays. The Spanish forward Lucas Perez may leave Emirates this season. Perez joined Arsenal for £17m in 2016 and scored just one goal. Lisbon have offered just £4.4m for the forward which has been accepted by the Gunners. Perez went out on loan to Deportivo La Coruna last time.
Emery’s team will start their Premier League campaign this season with a home game against the reigning champions Manchester City on August 12.
