Arsenal Transfer News: Laurent Koscielny Comments, Lucas Perez Rumours
Laurent Koscielny has said he will not leave Arsenal after proclaiming he is happy with life under coach Arsene Wenger.
According toย James Bengeย of theย London Evening Standard, the centre-back, who has previously been linked with Bayern Munich, has declared his allegiance to the Gunners coach:
"When I first got here, I didn't think about how long I would stay at this clubโbut now I am starting my eighth season so I am very happy with this. I am happy in my life every day, not just the football but my life with my wife and kids in London. We enjoy it, that's why I have stayed for a long time here. I have a long contract with Arsenal and I have [no reason] to leave the club. I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team, and get the best results for the club. If I can do all of that, then I am happy."
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Benge wrote Marseille have "expressed interest" in taking the France international back to his homeland.
The defender spoke warmly of Wenger as he discussed his currentย mindset in north London after signing a fresh deal last season, per Benge.
"Arsene Wenger is a big [inspiration] for me," said Koscielny. "He bought me from France and has given me everything to help me play for Arsenal, and has helped me as a man too."
The 31-year-old started 33 Premier League games last term, according toย WhoScored.com.
He remains Wenger's most trusted player at the heart of the defence, but Arsenal have regressed in major competition in the past campaigns.
In other Gunners news, Lucas Perez could return to former team Deportivo La Coruna after they reportedly offered him a 10-year deal.
Armando Palleiroย ofย Galicia newspaperย DXT Campeonย (h/tย Matt McGinnย ofย AS) reported the attacker could leave for less than โฌ12 million, despite being under contract until 2020.ย Fenerbahce are also considering an approach, but the offer from Depor would involve Perez becoming technical secretary after he hangs up his playing boots.
The striker has failed to make a major impact in the Premier League and has been frustrated on the bench as Arsenal slid out of the top four.
Wenger recently recruited French sensationย Alexandre Lacazette to fire the goals next season, further restricting Perez's future opportunities in the first-team squad.
Both player and club should cut their losses this summer, and Perez should return to a team where he will be loved and worshipped.
The journeyman has turned out for a number of sides before, but an emotional return to theย Estadio Riazor could see him force his way back into the Spain squad ahead of the next World Cup finals in Russia.
