Gooner Talk

Laurent Koscielny did not train with his Lorient side this morning as the 24-year-old’s move to Arsenal becomes ever-closer.

Earlier today Les Merlus’ official website reported that Koscielny was discussing the ‘terms of his departure’ with nothing to be ‘finalised’ until Thursday.

French daily Le Telegramme also say that Lorient are close to signing a straight replacement for Koscielny in highly-rated Ligue 2 defender Bruno Ecuele-Manga.

‘Kos’ is expected to arrive in London during the coming days.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his interest in Koscielny earlier this month as he aims to firm up a defensive unit that looks set to be broken up over the summer.

32-year-old William Gallas is set to leave the Emirates on a Bosman to join Juventus, while Mikael Silvestre is likely to be released. Veteran defender Sol Campbell, who returned to the club in January and only narrowly missed out on a sensational England call up, has yet to decide between a one-year-deal at Arsenal, or a two-year-deal at Celtic.

Let us know your views on the defensive situation and Koscielny’s imminent move in the comments section below.

Hosts South Africa grabbed their first win of the 2010 World Cup by defeating France 2-1 but it failed to put them through to the second phase.

‘Bafana Bafana’ gave their fans the perfect gift in the 20th minute when central defender Bongani Khumalo nodded home from a Siphiwe Tshabalala corner.

The day only got worse for France five minutes later when midfielder Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for an aerial challenge on MacBeth Sibaya which looked a bit harsh for a straight red.

In the 37th minute, South Africa went up 2-0 when Katlego Mphela finished with ease after a cross from Tsepo Masilela sending the Bloemfontein crowd into a frenzy.

France were making a better fist of things early in the second term and welcomed former Gunner Thierry Henry onto the pitch in the 55th minute to equal Fabien Barthez’s record of 17 World Cup finals appearances.

Down the other end, Mphela was causing problems for the Les Bleus defence as his side enjoyed more possession but finally France scored their first goal of the tournament when Florent Malouda hit the target in the 70th minute after Franck Ribery teed him up in front of an empty net.

The home side needed another few goals if they were any chance of pushing through to the Round of 16 but they didn’t come and the dream of the Rainbow Nation was over as was a disastrous World Cup for the French.

Ratings:

Bacary Sagna- 6 – Composed. Did well with Diaby in the build up to the consolation goal.

William Gallas- 5 – The Juventus-bound defender was average and showed no motivation throughout the match.

Gael Clichy- 7 – Came into the team for skipper Evra and had a decent game. Couldn’t prevent the opener.

Abou Diaby- 6 – Involved in the build-up to the consolation with Sagna. Definitely one of the better France players.

Laurent Koscielny took part in a open-doors training session earlier this afternoon as the 24-year-old closes in on his £9 million move to Arsenal.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Lorient centre-back, as William Gallas’ contract talks are believed to have reached an impasse while Sol Campbell’s future is still undecided until after the World Cup.

Two bids have already been made for Koscielny, who is likely to come in as a direct replacement for William Gallas, with the clubs now moving close to Lorient’s valuation of around £9 million.

Our friends over at Young Guns revealed earlier today that Ivan Gazidis has already struck a provisional deal with the French side, and we understand that it could be made official within the next week.

Check out the video below of ‘Kos’ training this afternoon:

France striker Nicolas Anelka has been sent home from the World Cup after after refusing to apologise for his half-time rant at coach Raymond Domenech.

Anelka was asked to apologise by French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes and, upon refusing to do so, was asked to leave the squad.

Les Bleus’ mounting problems have only been made worse by Anelka’s insults towards the French boss, with William Gallas also contributing to them.

Juventus-bound Gallas has also acted like a diva throughout the World Cup so far, refusing to go take part in press conferences. Added to that, after Thursday’s defeat against Mexico the 33-year-old swore and gave a French television reporter the ‘finger’.

Fortunately, Arsenal stars Abou Diaby, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna have not been involved in any of the quarrels, instead being praised for their professionalism by several French newspapers.

Laurent Koscielny has lifted the lid on why he is so desperate to join Arsenal and how the move came about.

The 24-year-old has been hugely impressive for the French side, leading them to a seventh placed finish, after moving from Tours for £1.2 million last summer.

However, the Ligue 1 side are obviously reluctant to part with their star defender, who has made 35 league appearances this season.

“Arsenal is one of the biggest European clubs, who plays in the Champions League. I think it’s a good club to progress further. I do not want to miss this opportunity,” Koscielny told La Montagne.

“They have contacted my representitives this week. I met with Arsene Wenger, as did my agents after the end of last season. It went well.”

Gunners boss Wenger is currently in the market for another centre back as he faces a defensive exodus with Philippe Senderos already departed and William Gallas, Sol Campbell all expected to leave soon.

Koscielny’s France-based agent Stephane Canard is set for showdown talks with Lorient president Loic Fery in the coming days, with several Lorient forums suggesting that the move will be official fairly soon.