Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has urged the club to put Laurent Koscielny ‘in his place’ for refusing to take part in their pre-season tour of the United States.
The France defender, 33, reportedly wants to return to his homeland this summer having entered the final year of his contract in north London.
He was expected to be part of the squad flying to the USA on Thursday – but Arsenal confirmed Koscielny refused to travel.
“Laurent Koscielny has refused to travel to the US for our pre-season tour,” a short statement on the club’s official website read.
“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.”
Campbell, who began his career with the Gunners and also went onto to play for a host of clubs such as Everton and West Brom, told his former side to fine the Frenchman and sell him.
“@Arsenal it is time to flex your muscles and put Koscielny in his place. No player is ever bigger than the club and the fact he’s been our captain is an absolute disgrace not wanting to go on the pre season tour. Fine him heavily and sell him! Good riddance,” Campbell wrote.
talkSPORT 2 host Adrian Clarke, has also criticised Koscielny’s behaviour.
“This is the kind of behaviour is not befitting of the club captain,” the former Gunner said on talkSPORT 2 on Thursday.
“Fair enough if you want to leave and if you’ve got offers from France, speak behind the scenes and try to organise it, but if the club can’t come to an agreement you just carry on your business. You go on tour and you continue those discussions.
“What we’re witnessing here is unprofessional behaviour from Laurent Koscielny.
“For me, the captaincy has to go right away and, given that he’s 33, maybe it would make sense for all parties to agree on a transfer in the coming days.
Arsenal defender Cohen Bramall has taken a parting shot at Gunners boss Unai Emery
“It’s so important at the start of the season that everybody is on the same page, that everyone is together and united as one.
“If the captain doesn’t want to be there, there is only one outcome – the captain has to go.”
Good Morning Britain host and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan tweeted: “WHAT? Utterly disgraceful way for our Club Captain to behave. Get rid of him immediately.”
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