Friday, December 6, 2024

Koscielny quotes provide cause for concern

Laurent Koscielny was an integral part to Arsenal’s 10-match unbeaten run to make it into the Champions League qualifying positions. When combined with Per Mertesacker, the Arsenal defense was water-tight. With this kind of form under pressure, however, other clubs become interested.

According to Sky Sports, the performance of the 27-year-old Frenchman has piqued the interest of the current Champions League champions, Bayern Munich. Die Bayern are reportedly preparing to launch a £15 million bid to gain the services of the Arsenal central defender.

It has been a long wait for trophies, as Arsenal fans are undoubtedly aware of, but it is not for a lack of ambition on the field. In an interview with Eurosport, Koscielny addressed the desperation to end the trophy drought, not only for the club, but for himself:

“I feel good at Arsenal, if we have ambition to fight against the other teams of course I want to stay here. It’s hard psychologically. We are constantly pressured because if Arsenal is not in the Champions League it would be a catastrophe.

It is hard to not win titles year after year. We are competitors, professionals, we want to win. I want to add to my list of achievements. If Arsenal cannot allow me that, I’ll seek a move elsewhere.”

This statement speaks volumes as to the desire to achieve silverware for the Frenchman. What may be worrisome for some of the Arsenal faithful, though, is the conclusion of his statement: “I’ll seek a move elsewhere.” This concluding thought sounds alarmingly similar to those issued by Robin van Persie in his letter to the Arsenal fans before his transfer last summer and those spoken of Samir Nasri after his move to Manchester City. It seems that time is of the essence for Arsenal if they want to keep a hold of their towering French defender.

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Photo via Ronnie MacDonald

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