Koscielny could buy out the remainder of his £90,000-a-week contract to secure Arsenal exit
LAURENT KOSCIELNY is reportedly considering buying himself out of his Arsenal contract in order to secure a move away.
The 33-year-old Frenchman shocked the Gunners by refusing to travel on their pre-season tour to the United States.
Arsenal confirmed their captain’s actions in a statement earlier which 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 and will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
The defender still has 12 months remaining on his £90,000-a-week deal at the Emirates but talks over an extension broke down.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is believed to have wanted him to play out the final year but the centre-back wanted something more long-term.
That sparked the interest of Bordeaux, Rennes and Lyon, who are all offering him a way out on at least a two-year package.
However, Koscielny wants the Gunners let him leave for nothing – but they are holding out for a £10m transfer fee.
That figure is scuppering his hopes of a return to his homeland.
And according to , he is now believed to be considering buying out the remainder of his contract to help secure his exit.
That could potentially cost the experienced skipper over £4.5m.
Koscielny, who has suffered with numerous Achilles problems, moved to Arsenal in 2010 and has made 353 appearances.
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He arrived at the club’s London Colney training base this morning but refused all attempts to get him to board the flight.
The rest of the Gunners squad headed to Stansted Airport to begin a three-game tour of America, comprising matches against Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Real Madrid.
Arsenal have opened disciplinary proceedings against Koscielny, who is set to be fined and stripped of the armband for his strike action.
KOSCIELNY - Odds on who he'll join before August 9
*Odds according to Betfair
Bordeaux - 8/11
Rennes 13/10
Lyon - 13/2
PSG - 12/1
Juventus - 18/1
Bayern Munich - 20/1
Real Madrid - 20/1
Man Utd - 22/1
Barcelona - 25/1