Arsenal will have work hard to keep hold of star defender Laurent Koscielny, according to Futbol as the Frenchman will be a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer ahead of the World Cup.

The central defender has developed a deep understanding in the defensive engine alongside German international Per Mertesacker, who has also now established his place in the side. Koscielny will feature as a first team player for the French national team at the World Cup in Brazil, and his performances in the tournament may dictate much about his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Koscielny began his senior career in France, where he represented local side Guingamp 41 times, before leaving for Tours, and finally Lorient. Arsene Wenger signed Koscielny from Lorient in 2010 for a fee in the region of £8-9 million, and he was an unknown quantity to English football. Koscielny’s physical presence has been noticed by experts, and his aerial domination from set plays has become an asset for the Gunners.

Madrid currently have Sergio Ramos playing alongside Pepe in the centre of defence. The Spaniard has traditionally been a right back, but has had to adjust in the new position due to lack of dependable options so Koscielny would add some much needed depth to Madrid’s defence.