Rumour: Real Madrid plot £21m bid for Laurent Koscielny

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Real Madrid are said to be readying a £21m bid for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, according to a report in The Mirror.

The French centre-back is seen as an ideal replacement for Sergio Ramos, whose negotiations with the Galacticos over a new deal seem to have broken down. The Spanish international has two years left on his contract, and is being linked in a £35m move to Manchester United.

Laurent Koscielny joined the North London club from Lorient in 2010. After a slow start to life in England (which included defeat in the Carling Cup Final in 2011), he has established himself as one of the best defenders of the Premier League.

He is a ball-playing defender who is quick, strong and agressive in nature. The 29 year-old signed a new long-term contract just last year, and is definitely one of the first names on Arsene Wenger’s teamsheet.

The money on offer is really good value for the player, and Arsenal might be tempted to accept the offer, but it looks highly unlikely that they will part with the French international. The Gunners will be looking to win the Premier League next season after winning back to back FA Cups, and the decision to hold on to Koscielny will be of the essence.