by Lewis Ambrose

Key Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, and the Spanish giants don’t seem willing to give up.

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has taken over at the Bernabeu and has earmarked Koscielny as the man he wants to build a new defence with according to France Football.

Rumours may be fuelled by the suggestions that Sergio Ramos, who has been linked with Manchester United, is becoming increasingly unhappy with his contract situation at the club.

The report says Real Madrid would be happy to pay around €30M for Koscielny but it is doubtful Arsenal would do any deal for that amount.

The 29 year-old defender is almost certainly seen as vital at the Emirates and signed a new long-term contract just last year which is thought to run until 2017.

Arsenal would no doubt be looking to open talks with the Frenchman soon but there is no rush just yet.

The Euro isn’t strong right now and the aforementioned fee would only amount to around £22M. If Koscielny is seen as crucial at Arsenal, which he appears to be, the club would be unlikely to sell for that amount.

Partner

Koscielny is already growing accustomed to partnering Real Madrid centre-half Raphaël Varane at international level, but that combination has come under some criticism – most recently following a dreadful performance against Belgium.

“Raphael Varane had perhaps his worst game ever in a France jersey,” said respected French journalist Julien Laurens after the 4-3 defeat at Parc des Princes.

“Laurent Koscielny was just as bad.”

Maybe putting the two of them isn’t the best idea, Rafa.

Off

Signing Koscielny would surely mean Sergio Ramos is on his way out of the club.

Ramos is currently linked with Manchester United as he isn’t getting what he wants from talks with Real Madrid in new contract talks.

Perhaps he could even replace Koscielny at Arsenal if a move were to happen. (This is me just throwing stuff out there now – nobody is suggesting that it could be a thing.)

If Madrid are serious about signing the Frenchman that sort of swap may well be a deal that could tempt Arsenal into negotiations.