Arsenal’s club captain Laurent Koscielny has refused to go on the club’s pre-season tour to America as he looks to secure a transfer away from the Emirates.

Arsenal released the following statement about the issue:

We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions. We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time.

The 33-year-old has been a model professional throughout his time with the Gunners so this move has come as a shock to many, but how should Arsenal react?

Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport

Koscielny is seemingly keen to make a move back to France, but as it stands, he’s still one of the best defenders at Arsenal, and that could remain the case unless reinforcements are brought in.

So, the Frenchman might be needed on the pitch but how unsettling could it be to the squad and the manager for the captain to be protesting?

The fee that Arsenal would likely get for Koscielny would be minimal, so that shouldn’t make a difference in the conversation, this will all come down to Emery.

Will he want to be seemingly forced into letting a player leave or can he get his club captain back onside and end this huge mess?

Time will tell but it doesn’t look good at the moment.