Laurent Koscienly was on the verge of quitting Arsenal this summer before injury ruined his hopes of heading back to France. The 32-year-old has been at the Gunners for eight years since his arrival from Lorient.
Despite having two years left on his deal, Lyon, Marseille and Monaco all hoped to land the French international centre-half before this season begun.
Now Koscielny’s agent has revealed that the Achilles injury he sustained in April not only ruled him out of the World Cup, but also scuppered any hopes he had of returning to his homeland. Stephane Courbis told France Football magazine: “We opened up various paths for Laurent, both in China and in France. He could not see himself playing for another English club after Arsenal.
“Ever since Marseille made an approach for him in the previous season, the idea of returning to Ligue 1 at the age of 32 has gone around his head.
The French defender suffered an Achilles injury in April against Atletico Madrid that ruled him out of the World Cup
“There was a genuine possibility of it happening. Lyon were the strongest contender for his signature, especially as they have qualified for the Champions League. Monaco were also in the running for him.
“There was still an active link with Marseille, as Laurent’s centre-back partnership with Adil Rami was a proven success in the France national team – especially during Euro 2016.
“The idea of signing Laurent was still going through the minds of Marseille’s people at he time he got injured.”
Koscielny has made 324 appearances for Arsenal but is unlikely to add to them until 2019 once he has recovered from his blow.
Cardiff 2-3 Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette scores late winner to help Gunners to second away win of 2018