Respected French publication, L’Equipe, believe that a return to France in the summer for Laurent Koscielny is ‘not impossible’ despite the Frenchman signing a new deal with Arsenal recently.

• Laurent Koscielny is under contract with Arsenal until 2020
• Marseille are also considering Olivier Giroud, under contract until 2019
• Of the pair, Giroud would be the easiest for Ligue 1 side to sign from Arsenal

In an article looking at Marseille and their upcoming spending spree in the summer, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are two names mentioned as possible recruitment options.

In need of a rebuild, L’Equipe expect the Ligue 1 side to spend nearly €100m to strengthen.

They are prepared to pay between €30m and €40m for another striker with Olivier Giroud and Mario Mandzukic being considered.

Marseille are also looking to sign not one but two central defenders and that’s where Koscielny’s name gets thrown into the mix. Despite signing a new deal with Arsenal, report L’Equipe, a return to France for Kos would not be ‘impossible’.

Of the pair, you have to think that Arsenal would want to hold on to Koscielny the most. Olivier Giroud, should an adequate replacement be identified, could be allowed to leave. Given his role as sub these days, he might also consider it time to call a day on his Arsenal adventure.

If I had to guess, however, I think both will still be at the club next season.