Laurent Koscielny refused Arsenal pre-season tour to force 2019 exit
Former Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny forced a transfer to Bordeaux in August 2019 by refusing to travel on the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.
Mikel Arteta’s current squad is deep into their latest summer preparations with a level of harmony rarely seen during the chaotic period following Arsene Wenger’s departure.
That contrast was starkly highlighted during Unai Emery’s brief tenure when his trusted skipper initiated a stunning strike.
The 33-year-old shocked the club’s hierarchy by abruptly withdrawing from their scheduled American tour in order to push through a move back to France.
A furious reaction from the hierarchy
Emery reacted furiously to the mutiny and immediately informed then-head of football Raul Sanllehi.
Sanllehi swiftly sanctioned a public statement that strongly condemned the experienced centre-half.
“Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour. We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions.”
The remaining squad flew across the Atlantic while the exiled defender was forced to train with the Under-23s.
Frustrations over valuation and fitness
The French international had 12 months remaining on his contract and felt an asking price of £10m was entirely unreasonable.
He was also reportedly furious at how his playing schedule had been managed following a severe Achilles injury sustained against Atletico Madrid in the 2018 Europa League.
Growing disillusioned with the overall direction of the north London side, the defensive veteran remained determined to secure a return to his homeland.
A controversial conclusion
A resolution was finally reached on August 6 when a £4.6m offer from Bordeaux was officially accepted.
The transfer brought an unceremonious end to a nine-year stint in the Premier League.
He subsequently damaged his relationship with supporters permanently during his announcement video by stripping off his former team’s shirt to reveal his new colours.