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Laurent Koscielny facing disciplinary action from Arsenal

Laurent Koscielny during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Arsenal are set to open disciplinary proceedings against Laurent Koscielny after he refused to join the club on their pre-season tour of the USA, according to Sky sources.

The 33-year-old France international is out of the contract at the end of the season and it is understood he has asked to be released from his deal so that he can return to France.

The club said in a statement on Thursday: "Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour.

Laurent Koscielny (R) celebrates scoring Arsenal's third goal Nacho Monreal
Image: Laurent Koscielny (right) has been at Arsenal since 2010

"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."

Koscielny remains an important player for Unai Emery. He appeared in 29 games for Arsenal in all competitions last season, starting 24.

In total, the France international has made 255 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals since joining from French side Lorient for £10m in July 2010.

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Arsenal are due to face Bayern Munich in Carson, California on July 18 in the opening game of their pre-season tour.

That is followed by games against Fiorentina in Charlotte on July 20 and Real Madrid on July 24 in Washington DC.

Arsenal's captaincy question

Sky Sports' Nick Wright: The situation leaves Arsenal's captaincy shrouded in uncertainty. If Koscielny is stripped of the armband, or if he gets his wish and leaves the club, then Emery's options are limited.

The Spaniard named a captaincy group of five players last season, Koscielny being one of them, but of the other four, Petr Cech and Aaron Ramsey are gone and Mesut Ozil's future is uncertain. That leaves Granit Xhaka as the only logical option, although the Switzerland international is not universally popular among supporters.

Could Emery look elsewhere? There are few standout candidates. Nacho Monreal has the experience having been at the club since 2013, but his place in the team is far from guaranteed. Sokratis could be seen as captaincy material, but he has only been at the club for a single season. Hector Bellerin, an Arsenal player since 2011, might be a left field alternative.

It is another conundrum for Emery in what's turning into a difficult summer.

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