Laurent Koscielny ‘destroying his legacy’ by refusing to go on Arsenal tour amid transfer speculation, says legend Ian Wright

ARSENAL icon Ian Wright believes club captain Laurent Koscielny is destroying his legacy at the Emirates as he pushes for a move away from North London.

The French centre-back refused to go on the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the US as he seeks to be released from his contract so he can move back to France.

Koscielny – who has one year left on his current deal – has been at Arsenal since 2010 after joining from Lorient.

It is understood that Bordeaux, Lyon and Rennes are all vying to sign the two-time FA Cup winner, who is valued at around £10million.

Spanish international Nacho Monreal has urged his team-mate to end his strike and start the new season with the Europa League finalists.

Speaking of Koscielny on his YouTube channel, Wright said: “He’s given us unbelievable service, we’ve seen him play through pain and build a legacy and legendary status he deserves.

“It’s the time in the season where everybody is meant to be together. We are in for a tough season, a transitional period, we need a lot of catching up.

“For our captain to refuse to go on a pre-season tour after nine years of unbelievable service, to destroy your legacy a little by refusing to play for a club is something that is baffling me.

“Why Laurent? Who are your advisers and what are they saying to you?

“I am so disappointed in your decision to do this at this time, if your agent sees this, and I hope they do, shame on you, shame on you, for doing this to him and convincing him. No way you can tell me he will come up with this on his own.

“You’re the one we chose as our captain, our leader, and now we’re going into pre-season with our captain refusing to go on the tour.

“This is something I cannot get my head around and I pray to god it can be resolved sooner rather than later.

“It doesn’t set a good example, Arsenal need to do something quick and disciplinary. I love you Laurent but this is a poor decision.”