da leao： Laurent Koscielny has admitted in an interview with Nice-Matin that he will leave Arsenal when his contract expires in 2020.
What’s the word?
da dobrowin： The defender has been a long-standing member of the team since 2010 when he signed from Loreint.
Koscielny has established himself as a leader at the back, but last season he was at fault a handful of times.
The 6ft 1in tall Frenchman is currently nursing a serious knee injury, and it is unclear when he will be back on the pitch.
What does seem certain, though, is that Koscielny will only be at the club for two more years.
While speaking to Nice-Matin, the centre-back said:
“I’m under contract until June 2020. Afterwards? I’m thinking of moving on, but I do not know where.”
How should Arsenal proceed?
Even though Koscielny has had his critics, particularly last season, there is no denying that his departure will be a blow if a replacement is not found.
Manager Unai Emery does not need to worry just yet, but a plan should be in motion with regards to finding a new centre-back.
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The defence was heavily slammed during Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge.
Therefore, Emery needs to ensure that he already has a capable back four when Koscielny does walk away.
From the player’s point of view, it makes sense to call time on his Arsenal career given that he will be approaching 35 by the end of his contract.