Bayern Munich preparing for Pep Guardiola reign at Allianz Arena with swoop for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny is the first transfer target on the list of incoming Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, who will take the reins at the Allianz Arena this summer.
The story was broken by this morning’s paper edition of France Football, with Ligue 1 journalist Matt Spiro spreading the word via Twitter.
Bayern Munich have sounded out possibility of signing Laurent Koscielny in summer, say France Football #AFC #FCBM
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) April 9, 2013
The France international has had a difficult time with injuries this season and as a result, struggled to put together a decent run of form.
However, since he won back his place in the team in the second leg of the north London side’s UEFA Champions League tie against Bayern Munich in March , helping the Gunners keep a clean sheet in a fine 0-2 victory, Arsenal have looked a far more solid outfit.
Thomas Vermaelen
In addition, Koscielny revealed less than a month ago that he had no intention of leaving the Gunners any time soon.
“I still have four years left on my contract after June,” said Koscielny.
“I feel good in the club – they have faith in me.
“If every time I play less I change club, it would be ridiculous. I’m happy in London, my family too. I’m not thinking about that.”
In some ways it is easy to see why Guardiola would want Koscielny at Bayern Munich, but in others the transfer makes little sense.
Each time Koscielny played for Arsenal against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, the Frenchman has stood out with an imperious performance even as others around him flounder on the big occasion. His battles with Lionel Messi have made intriguing viewing, with the Argentina star having more luck when taking on Johan Djourou in the Gunners’ makeshift back four.
On the other hand, Bayern Munich’s defence hardly needs improving.
Domestically, they have conceded the preposterously low total of 13 goals in 28 games, and have a goal difference of plus 66.
The Bavarians have conceded in only ten league games this season, with 18 clean sheets from those 28 matches, and have some world class options to play in the middle of their back four.
The likes of Dante, Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber, Javi Martinez, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Daniel van Buyten and Luis Gustavo can all fill in at centre back, and Koscielny would face a hard task merely getting into the starting line-up – as good as he has played for Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger certainly seems impressed with Koscielny at present, and so long as the 27 year-old continues to look solid in all departments and makes fewer lapses at the back, he could be an excellent player for the Gunners in years to come.
After all, the France star only signed a new contract last July.
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