Reports | Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny signs for FC Girondins de Bordeaux

Laurent Koscielny has returned to his homeland, ending a nine-year spell with Arsenal. The 33-year-old, who was entering the last year of his contract at the Emirates, will fulfill his desire to return home this summer. According to Goal.com, the French international was already in France to complete medical procedures and sign a deal with Bordeaux.

It is reported that the transfer will be completed for €5 million. Knowing Koscielny's intentions to return, Arsenal tried to convince the center-back to stay for one last season.  Especially with the Gunners lacking reliable options in central defense, but the Frenchman refused, opting to leave the Emirates instead.

For now, Unai Emery has Sokratis and Mustafi as the most experienced players, with young Rob Holding as the top alternative. However, there are concerns towards Mustafi ability to play as a first-team star, and Holding is still recovering from a serious ACL tear that should see him potentially missing the start of the season.

Arsenal are expected to sign a center-back with the Premier League window closing on Thursday, the 8 of August. The Gunners have been linked with moves for Daniele Rugani from Juventus and Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig, but nothing has materialized as of yet.