Ornstein reveals Arsenal are in talks over £38m double exit

Joe Williams
Shkodran Mustafi Laurent Koscielny Arsenal

BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein reckons Arsenal are trying to sell Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny before the transfer deadline.

Reports in L’Equipe suggest that Monaco have made an enquiry for Mustafi. Arsenal ‘have tried to sell him almost every window since they signed him’, and might finally get their wish this summer.

It is thought that the Gunners actually value Mustafi at around £30m, with his sale boosting a £45m budget that has already been impressively stretched beyond comprehension.

And Ornstein confirmed on Tuesday that Arsenal are “in talks with number of clubs” over the possible departure of Mustafi.

The 27-year-old has two years left on his current contract and the Gunners “want permanent or loan departure”.

Ornstein adds that Arsenal “also hope to bolster central defence pre-deadline & retain interest in Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney.”

Koscielny, meanwhile, opted out of the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States, according to Emery – who stated he will instead work with “players that want to be here”.

And Ornstein also had an update on the French defender – who has been linked with an £8m move to Bordeaux recently – the journalist added: “Arsenal technical director Edu met with the Stade Rennes president + the representative of Laurent Koscielny in London yesterday.

“Talks between #AFC & suitors continue in a bid to resolve Koscielny’s future. The 33yo captain does not anticipate playing for the Gunners again.”