Arsenal have reportedly decided on the punishment they'll dish out to rebel captain Laurent Koscielny following the Frenchman's decision to stay away from the Gunners' pre-season tour of the USA.
Koscielny, 33, has soured his relationship with the Arsenal faithful after nine years at the club by opting not to join his teammates in Los Angeles, where they beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday evening.
Even though the central defender has a year left on his contract, it has been suggested that he feels he should be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.
Bordeaux and Rennes have been suggested at possible destinations for the former Lorient defender, who the Gunners have now decided to punish by docking his wages according to L'Equipe , who add that there will will be a meeting this week between the player's lawyers and the club.
Olivier Giroud, the former Arsenal forward and a friend of Koscielny, has defended his fellow Frenchman, telling BBC Sport : "You cannot make a judgement when you don't have all the clues.
"I'm pretty sure we don't know everything in this situation.
"I hope both sides will find the best agreement."
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has refused to be drawn on the situation in the US.
"He started training with us this pre-season and I spoke with him three times for his situation," he said.
"We wanted him to come with us on this tour but he decided to stay.
"Now it is a matter for the club and for the player.
"He has one year left on his contract. For me as a coach he’s an important player. Now it’s one matter for him and the club.
"The club and him need to speak, they are speaking about his situation. I cannot say more than that."
