French defender keen to stay in North London.
Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts
Arsenal fans have been given a boost by the news that French defender Laurent Koscielny has no intention of leaving the club according to The Sun.
The centre-back has been strongly linked with Barcelona in recent days with the Spanish giants thought to be preparing a bid for the player.
The La Liga champions are currently in the market for a new defender as they face up to life without Carlos Puyol. The Barcelona stalwart’s ageing years means he will be forced into retirement sooner or later and the club are keen to bring in his replacement now in order to ensure a smooth transition.
Barcelona reportedly identified Koscielny as their man as they are keen to bring in a defender who is able to adapt to their passing style of football.
But Catalan hopes have now been dashed after Koscielny revealed he has no intention of leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger sees Koscielny as a key member of his squad and is keen to hold on to him although he is willing to entertain bids for club captain Thomas Vermaelen.
The Belgium defender has been blamed for a number of high profile errors last season and is unlikely to make his way back into the first team any time soon.