Arsenal have confirmed that club captain Laurent Koscielny has joined French side Bordeaux.
The 33-year-old has agreed a £4.6million move, bringing to an end an ugly summer-long saga which saw him refuse to travel to the US for the Gunners’ preseason tour as he looked to force through a move.
The France international had hoped the club would agree to let him leave on a free transfer in recognition of his nine-year service, but manager Unai Emery was hopeful of convincing him to see out the final year of his contract.
Koscielny arrived at the Emirates from Lorient in the summer of 2010, and was part of the side that won three FA Cups in four seasons under Arsene Wenger.
He was formally made club captain at the start of last season, following Per Mertesacker’s retirement, though he had already led the side on a regular basis during the German’s absence.
With Rob Holding still feeling his way back to full fitness, Shkodran Mustafi’s future in doubt and William Saliba not arriving from Saint Etienne until next summer, the Gunners will look to strengthen their centre-back options before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has emerge as Emery’s main target, with Juventus centre-half Daniele Rugani also an option.
