Reports: Real Madrid plot move for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been one of the most consistent performers for France in Euro 2016 and now many reports are claiming that Real Madrid are the favourites to sign the French defender. With Raphael Varane set to depart Real Madrid this summer, Koscielny is seen as an excellent replacement for the young defender.
Varane is one of the most talented youngsters in the world, but he has struggled with form and fitness. Jose Mourinho is a huge admirer of Varane’s talents and there have been reports linking the Real Madrid defender to the Red Devils.
Koscielny, who is 30 has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since his arrival from Lorient six years ago. Foot Mercato claim that Los Blancos see the Arsenal man as a perfect replacement for Varane and are ready to offer £21 million to Arsenal.
Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane has dropped a hint that he may be prepared to leave the capital club over the summer in order to continue progressing as a footballer. Speaking in an interview published in Spanish sports paper, Diario AS, the French international pointed out that he has not played as many big games as he had hoped this season as he was the third choice central defender at the club behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
The 23-year-old, who has been attracting interest from clubs in the English Premier League, commented, "until November I played nearly everything".
"It's also true that I had some mistakes, which are unusual for me. There are a lot of positive things, but it is also true that I would have liked to have played the key games at the end of the season, especially in the Champions League," he said, making a reference to the fact he played a total of just one minute in Real Madrid's quarter and semi-final ties against Wolfsburg and Manchester City.
Varane has been at Real Madrid since joining as an 18-year-old from Lens and he admitted that "after five years at Madrid," he hoped... "to overcome the obstacles".
"I feel I am at a crucial moment in my career and I think a player needs to develop and to feel he is important. I try and work hard every day and to progress. I know my qualities and what I am able to do," said Varane.
Zidane has been very impressed by Koscielny's performances this season and the Real Madrid manager is very interested in securing the Arsenal man’s signature this summer.