Arsenal Looking To Restrengthen Backline Despite Koscielny Return

Arsenal looking to bolster backline even after the return of club captain.

The return of Laurent Koscielny to the current Arsenal side could not have come at a better time with Rob Holding getting ruled out for the remainder of the season and centre-back duo, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos picking up suspensions for multiple yellows. Unai Emery might just be relieved to cast one senior figure in front of Bernd Leno for the Premier League fixture against Southampton.

Even after a lengthy absence of 225 days from the pitch, Koscielny seemingly looked like his old self against Qarabag last night. The Frenchman took charge next to Sokratis and led the Gunners to a 1-0 win at the Emirates. Emery was quick to pull him off the pitch after 70 minutes of action, probably to save him for the trip to St. Mary’s this upcoming Sunday.

It has been a period of trial for Koscielny but how will he fare under a new manager and after the first major injury in his playing career? All things considered, the 33-year-old did struggle to maintain his form last season, before going down to an Achilles tear against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-finals.

Skysports suggests that Unai Emery might be looking into the January transfer market to make additions to the club’s centre-back lineup. While Koscielny is still a leader and a key piece of the North London side, at the age of 33, he is nearing the twilight of his playing career. It would not be a shock to see Arsenal go after a few of the Premier League big guns like Eric Bailly or Gary Cahill.