Arsenal are outright favourites for Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny.

The Gunners have reportedly had two offers of £4.2 million and £8 million rejected by Lorient. A swap deal involving Gunners youngsters Francis Coquelin and Armand Traore has also been mentioned.

PSG and former club Lille, which sold Koscielny to Lorient for just £1 million two years ago, remain keen, but cannot afford Lorient's asking price.

French sources say Lorient have now informed Arsenal they want £14 million for Koscielny, though intermediaries say the Gunners should be able to land the 24 year-old for £9 million.