Nacho Monreal speaks on Laurent Koscielny's Arsenal future

Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal believes Laurent Koscielny still has a future with the north London side despite refusing to travel with the squad for their pre-season tour.

The Frenchman has just 12 months remaining on his current deal with the Gunners and he is understood to be keen on seeking a departure rather than linking up with the club for pre-season duties.

As such, there has been a dispute between the defender and the board, but Monreal remains optimistic that the club-captain will remain with the club for the forthcoming campaign.

"Yeah, why not? We respect Laurent a lot because he has played for Arsenal for a long time, he's our captain. It's something between the club and him. What I would like is they fix the problem and I think they will do it," he told Football.London.

At present, Koscielny is keen on releasing himself from his contract, but that does not appear an easy option, given the Gunners have the choice of extending his deal for another 12 months.

No clubs have made any transfer offers for the former France international but Bordeaux are prepared to sign him on a three-year deal, should the Gunners release him on a free.