Arsenal Transfer News: Laurent Koscielny Eyed by Madrid to Replace Sergio Ramos

Arsenal could lose out if Sergio Ramos departs Real Madrid this summer, as the Spanish giants are reportedly lining up Laurent Koscielny as his replacement.

According to Darren Lewis and David McDonnell of the Mirror, Ramos is nearing a £30 million move to Manchester United, with Real eyeing a £21 million bid for Koscielny if that deal goes through.

The centre-back, who joined the Gunners in 2010, signed a long-term contract last year to extend his stay with the club. Per Nick Lustig of the Daily Mail, he said: "I have enjoyed four great years at Arsenal already, and I look forward to continuing to help the team in the years to come."

Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher stated his belief that Koscielny is crucial to Arsenal's title ambitions (via the Sport Review): 

"

I think he’s a top centre-back, but we look at [the stats] and the difference he brings to that team and the influence he has, especially on Mertesacker next to him and the back four.

They look like a completely different team when he’s in the side. I think that’s a big thing…it’s not just being good at your game, it’s can you influence people around you?

"

Indeed, the 29-year-old has become a key figure for Arsenal in recent seasons, so his departure would be a huge blow.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The Frenchman's athleticism and stabilising presence in the Gunners' back four helped them achieve the third-best defensive record in the Premier League last term.

According to Squawka, Koscielny won 56 per cent of his headed duels in the Premier League last season and, in typical Arsenal fashion, maintained an impressive passing accuracy of 89 per cent across his 27 appearances.

The centre-back's 93 interceptions demonstrates his excellent reading of the game, while his total of 166 successful clearances hints at the calming influence he has on his fellow defenders.

As indicated by WhoScored.com on Twitter, Koscielny is capable of producing the all-action defensive performances typically associated with elite centre-backs in world football:

Should he depart, Arsenal's hopes of a title challenge next season will have taken a huge dent, and a top replacement would need to be secured immediately alongside the positions Arsene Wenger already needs to strengthen—chiefly in goal and up front—which would be difficult to accomplish.

For Los Blancos, Koscielny would represent a solid and less impulsive replacement for Ramos.

Though Koscielny managed three goals last term—just one fewer than Ramos managed in La Liga—he is far more defensive-minded than his Spanish counterpart and will be less prone to wandering out of position to join in with the attacks.

If both deals take place, Madrid will be the real winners next season.