Lorient boss expects Koscielny departure to Arsenal

(GSM) – Lorient boss Christian Gourcuff has revealed that he expects defender Laurent Koscielny to join Arsenal this summer.

Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that an approach has been made for the 24-year-old centre-back.

Koscielny, who is still under contract with the Ligue 1 side, could move to England if Arsenal meet their asking price.

Lorient picked Koscielny up from second division side Tours last summer and Gourcuff is readying himself to go scouring the lower leagues again.

“Laurent will leave,” Gourcuff told L’Equipe.

“If Arsenal really want him, they will pay the right fee.

“To replace him we will do what we’re used to doing – even if the transfer fee will not be re-invested on a new central defender.”

But Gourcuff has already begun to compensate for the loss of Koscielny with Arsenal youngster Francis Coquelin set to join Lorient on loan.

The France Under-19 international will have medical before putting pen to paper with Les Merlus, who resume training on Monday.