Lorient's £8m-rated centre back Laurent Koscielny is interesting Arsenal.

The Daily Mail says the 6ft 1in defender became an integral part of Lorient's defence, as the Ligue 1 outfit finished seventh in the table.

Koscielny, who played 35 times last season, moved from Tours to Lorient last summer for around £1.2m.

After bringing Thomas Vermaelen to the Emirates from Ajax for £10m last season, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen the heart of his defence with uncertainty surrounding the futures of William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre.