The Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny center back partnership has relatively been a great one for Arsenal over the past couple years. The the vision of Mertesacker with Koscielny's plus man-marking and aggression has generally worked out far more times than it's not for the club, but there's news coming out of England that the Frenchman might be subject to a transfer bid from the two French oil clubs, PSG and Monaco, and German giants Bayern Munich.
Arsenal must fight off interest from Paris St-Germain, Monaco and Bayern Munich to convince Laurent Koscielny to sign a new contract.
Koscielny has been Arsenal’s most consistent player this season and has developed into one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
His form has alerted PSG, Monaco and Bayern Munich, with all clubs aware Koscielny is on relatively modest wages of around £50,000 a week at the Emirates Stadium. That is less than defensive partner Per Mertesacker, who signed a £90,000-a-week deal last month, and Thomas Vermaelen, who earns £70,000 a week.
Arsenal want to address Koscielny’s salary with the offer of a new contract and a wage rise to match Mertesacker on £90,000 a week, and remain hopeful that he will commit to the club.
In regards to his pay, Koscielny has far earned a raise in his contract. While Vermaelen has shown moments of brilliance as of late filling in for Koscielny and at left back, it is Koscielny who is able to match the level of aggression in defense with a keen sense of awareness, something Vermaelen has lacked in crucial moments over the past couple seasons.
Regardless of Koscielny's contract issues, I believe Arsenal will be in the market for a center back this summer. It's my hope that it's to add to our current depth instead of having to replace a vital member of our defense.