Laurent Koscielny 'to buy himself out of Arsenal contract'

Laurent Koscielny is reportedly considering buying out the remainder of his Arsenal contract so that he can leave on a free transfer.

The Gunners announced on Thursday that their captain has refused to travel to the United States with his teammates for their pre-season tour.

Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Koscielny and he is expected to be stripped of the captaincy.

The 33-year-old is said to be desperate for a move away and, according to the Evening Standard, he is even tempted to buy out his £90,000-a-week contract.

Arsenal's refusal to release him from his deal, which has a year left to run, is rumoured to be behind his decision to skip their US tour.

Ligue 1 trio Bordeaux, Rennes and Lyon are all in the running to sign the former France international.