Barcelona Step-Up Their Chase For Arsenal Defender

FC Barcelona are reportedly preparing a bid for Arsenal FC and French defender Laurent Koscielny.

The French international has arguably been Arsenalai??i??s most consistent defender of the past two seasons. When he joined the club back in 2010, a lot of experts and fans were sceptical about another relatively unknown name being signed by Arsene Wenger, but the fact that now clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich are tracking him is a testimonial to his amazing consistency and performances.

According to latest reports from Spain, Barcelona have stepped-up there interest in signing the French international from Arsenal. Spanish daily Marca reports that the Catalan giants have turned their attention towards Koscielny, due to complications in acquiring their primary targets Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Vincent Kompany.

Although Barcelona will find it hard to convince Arsenal into selling their most reliable center-back this summer, the 27-year-oldai??i??s recent comments could encourage a move from them. Koscielny recently hinted that if the club doesnai??i??t show enough ambition, then he could move elsewhere. Arsenal are expected to have a busy transfer market this summer and have already been linked with big names like Higuain and Jovetic ai??i?? which is a sign of intent from the London club.

Worryingly for the Gooners, Koscielnyai??i??s agent has revealed that the French defender has drawn interest from multiple clubs.

ai???There is interest. I know that Laurent is part of a short list of three or four players for both clubs.ai??? – Stephane Courbis, agent of the Arsenal defender, was quoted in press.

Apart from Barcelona, German champions Bayern Munich are also reportedly lining up a move for him ai??i?? although at this point Arsenal are yet to receive any official bids from either of the clubs. Reports suggest that the Gunners are close to losing Bacary Sagna this summer, with French clubs Monaco and PSG interested in him, so losing Koscielny will immensely weaken the defence. More than anything else, it would mean that Arsenal would once again lose a big name player in a transfer window ai??i?? which is something Arsene Wenger is determined to stop. Unless Koscielny pushes through for a move, it is hard to see Barcelona or Bayern Munich being able to convince Wenger into selling him.

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