Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Özil, Santi Cazorla, and Aaron Ramsey are all frequently referenced as Arsenal’s most important players, and rightfully so; however, central defender Laurent Koscielny is as important to the Gunners as any other player in the squad.
The France international arrived in north London in the summer of 2010 as a relatively unknown 24-year-old skinny center-back. When asked about his move to the Premier League giants, Koscielny said, “I don’t believe any French player would have refused to come and play for Arsenal. It took me four years to go from the bench of Ligue 2 to Arsenal so it is a great achievement. I have been on the crest of a wave for the last few years. But it is just the beginning, I haven’t proved anything yet. Arsenal is a reference for football.”
Koscielny hit the ground running since making the switch from France to England. The defender has been a mainstay in the Gunners defense ever since 2010, made his France international debut in 2011, and is now one of the top central defenders not only in the Premier League, but in all of Europe.
As Koscielny has elevated his play to a high level, naturally other top clubs around the world are going to show interest in the player. Recently, with Sergio Ramos reportedly unhappy at Real Madrid, Los Blancos are rumored to want Koscielny as a potential replacement for the Spain intentional (should he go).
It has also been widely reported that Real are set to offer Arsenal around £21 million for the 29-year-old defender. However, it appears to be highly unlikely that the Gunners will accept the fee and let one of their cornerstone pieces leave during this summer’s transfer window.
In the past, Arsenal brass may have thought about cashing in on a soon-to-be 30-year-old player, but with the Gunners now financially free (after paying off their stadium) and regularly purchasing world-class players, now is not the time to sell.
Arsenal currently have a strong nucleus at the club, including Koscielny, and are only a one or two more pieces away from legitimately challenging for the Premier League title. If the Gunners were to let their top defender leave, it would be a massive step in the wrong direction for the team.
