Arsenal have sold defender Laurent Koscielny to Ligue 1 side Bordeaux for a fee of up to 5m euros (£4.6m). The 33-year-old centre-back had a medical on Tuesday and has returned to France after nine years with the Premier League club.
Frenchman Koscielny had a year left on his contract at Emirates Stadium and the Gunners wanted him to stay. But he asked for a free transfer and refused to travel on a pre-season tour of the United States. “We decided to sanction his move to Bordeaux once we agreed acceptable transfer terms,” Arsenal said in a statement. “We thank Laurent for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.” Former France international Koscielny rejected a new Gunners contract that he felt undervalued his contribution and continued ability.
Arsenal began disciplinary proceedings and instructed the captain to train with the under-23s, but offered him a way back into the first-team squad for the new season. However, Koscielny had no intention of reversing his decision and was determined to secure a move to his home country.
