French duo in talks to sign Arsenal defender

French duo Bordeaux and Rennes have reportedly open negotiations with Arsenal to secure the signature of wantaway defender Laurent Koscielny.

The 33-year-old refused to travel with the Gunners for their pre-season tour of the United States earlier this summer and manager Unai Emery has since confirmed that the veteran has no interest in staying with the club.

According to Sky Sports News, the north London giants have given up on their attempts to keep hold of the centre-back and they are now prepared to listen to offers for his services.

The same publication claims that both Bordeaux and Rennes have begun negotiations regarding the same but neither are prepared to match the Gunners asking price of around £10m.

Aside from Koscielny, Arsenal have just four fit centre-backs in Calum Chambers, Sokratis, Nacho Monreal and Shkodran Mustafi at the moment but the latter has also been linked with an exit from the club.

Mustafi has been the subject of boos from the Gunners faithful at various stages of the pre-season campaign and he has likewise been culpable to making mistakes with his positioning.