Arsenal confirm transfer deal for experienced defender

Arsenal have officially confirmed that the departure of defender Laurent Koscielny, who has made the return to the French Ligue 1 with Bordeaux.

The 33-year-old refused to join the Gunners for their pre-season tour of the United States earlier this summer and it was thereafter claimed that the centre-back had made the decision to part ways with the club.

Gunners boss Unai Emery confirmed the player's stance earlier this month and his departure has now been made official after Bordeaux agreed on a package of around £4.6m.

"Laurent Koscielny is leaving us to join Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. We thank Laurent for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future," a statement read on the club's official website.

With the departure of Koscielny, the Gunners are expected to step up the pursuit of a new central defender and reports indicate Dayot Upamecano is the prime target before Thursday's transfer deadline.

The north London giants are reported to have already failed with a £55m bid for the RB Leipzig defender but talks are still ongoing with the German side said to be keen on signing Emile Smith-Rowe as part of the deal.