Arsenal head coach Unai Emery says he is “fighting to convince” captain Laurent Koscielny to stay at the Emirates.
Koscielny, who refused to travel on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the USA, is keen to return to France and has asked the Premier League club to release him from his contract, one year before it expires.
French side Rennes have reignited their interest in Koscielny, but are yet to meet Arsenal’s valuation for the 33-year-old centre-back. Like Koscielny, Rennes are hoping for a free transfer.
Emery insists he is optimistic of dissuading the Frenchman from leaving.
“Now it is between the club and him. I fight to convince him, but I respect his decision, a very personal decision, and that situation can only manage with one argument,” said Emery.
“I haven’t lost my hope that he will be with us next year. But at the moment his decision is to leave and we are also thinking if we can improve with other players and how we can help with him.
“But at the moment his decision is to leave and we are also thinking if we can improve with other players and how we can help with him.”
“With respect it’s better for us, it’s better for the team, and it’s changing our idea with the centre back, because if he is here with us this season, it’s very different than if he isn’t with us.
“At the moment it’s a very personal decision, and we are respecting that. I am speaking with him and we are going to find the best solution, but overall we need a player like him.”
For Citizen TV updates
Join @citizentvke Telegram channel
Video Of The Day: | JKLive | Football Legend George Weah Presidency in Liberia [Part 1 of 3]
