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Bordeaux have opened talks with Arsenal over a potential deal for Laurent Koscielny, according to reports in France.

The French centre-back, who has made 353 appearances for the Gunners, has expressed his desire to leave the north London club in order to return to his home country.

The 33-year-old is in the final year of his current contract with the Premier League club and has emerged as a target for several Ligue 1 sides.

Rennes were believed to be the most likely club to land his signature, but L'Equipe report that Bordeaux have now stepped up their pursuit of the defender.

According to the French publication, two representatives from the club met with Arsenal officials in London on Friday to try and persuade them to allow Koscielny to leave for free.

(Image: PA)

It is claimed that the Ligue 1 side are open to paying a transfer fee for the player, but consider Arsenal's current valuation (believed to be around £9m) to be too high.

The meeting between the two parties took place just one day after Bordeaux sporting director Eduardo Macia - understood to be one of those involved in the discussions - publicly confirmed the club's interest.

He told RMC Sport: "If there's a chance, we would be thrilled to have him [Koscielny] come here.

"He's a leader, an intelligent defender and one of the best defenders whom I've seen in my career.

"It would be incredible to have a player of his quality at Bordeaux. But he has a contract at Arsenal.

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty)

"For the moment, we cannot say any more, he's still a player under contract at Arsenal."

Koscielny recently refused to travel on Arsenal's pre-season tour to the United States after his request to have his contract terminated was rejected.

His decision resulted in the Gunners opening disciplinary proceedings against their club captain, who has been training with the club's junior teams.

But Unai Emery is still hopeful of reintegrating the skipper into his squad.

"He's a very important player for us,” he said after the pre-season game against Angers.

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty)

“We are speaking with him and with the team, about my responsibilities, the club's responsibility and his responsibility.

‘With respect it's better for us, it's better for the team, and it's changing our idea with the centre back, because if he is here with us this season, it's very different than if he isn’t with us.

“At the moment it's a very personal decision, and we are respecting that.

“I am speaking with him and we are going to find the best solution, but overall we need a player like him.”