Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his thoughts on club captain Laurent Koscielny refusing to travel with his teammates in an attempt to force a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
In a statement released by Arsenal last week, the club revealed how the Frenchman would not be accompanying the first team squad on their pre-season tour of America.
"We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions," the statement read.
"We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time."
As reported by football.london , Koscielny has told the club that he wishes to be released from his contract, of which he has one season remaining, in order to return to his home country.
Koscielny spent seven seasons under the guidance of fellow Frenchman Arsene Wenger after joining Arsenal in July 2010, and after working with the player for so long, Wenger has spoken of his surprise at the actions that he has taken in order to force a move away.
“I am very surprised by the current situation," he told L'Equipe (via Get French Football News ). "I do not know the whole story, but Laurent’s behaviour with me has always been beyond reproach. I think highly of Laurent as a man.”
According to the report in the French paper, Koscielny will meet with Arsenal officials this week in order to try and thrash out a solution to the situation, with the player expected to receive a fine as part of the punishment for his actions.
