Rennes president Olivier Letang has confirmed interest in wantaway Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.

Rennes are battling Bordeaux for the veteran, who is pushing to be released from his Gunners deal.

Letang told RMC: "We discovered it as you finally did. Even my son told me, it seems that Laurent Koscielny is coming. I told him he was wrong. He is a good player with a lot of international experience.

"We met him twice last year. When we heard the possibility of a departure in early June, we called the leaders of Arsenal to see if it was true because we could be interested. In mid-June, we had a response from Arsenal who told us they want to extend him, he is untransferable. We had no more exchanges with the player. We have great respect for other clubs. We cannot trade with a player if the club does not want to let him go. So I can say that what came out this weekend is false and is not relevant.

"No, we have not had an exchange with Arsenal since mid-June. We read a lot like you. The club told us he is under contract and they want to extend it. For me, there is no point in talking to the player as the door is not open. There cannot be discussion or agreement as I read it."