Arsenal news: Lauren Koscielny announces retirement as Youri Tielemans drops transfer hint

Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Sunday, March 27.

Former Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has announced his retirement from football after denying racism allegations. The French centre-half enjoyed nine productive years in north London, clinching three FA Cups.

However, he decided to leave in the summer of 2019, heading to Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux. The club's ultras group, UB87, accused both Koscielny and goalkeeper Beniot Costil of racism following their 2-0 defeat to Montpellier earlier this month.

Now, the 36-year-old has released a statement via Sud Ouest, saying: "As a reminder, Laurent Koscielny has not been part of the professional staff of the club since the end of January 2022, he recalls that he is still an employee of the Girondins de Bordeaux. Laurent Koscielny intends to specify that he decided to hang up the crampons (boots) when he would have preferred to help the club on the field.

"Aware that the club was in difficulty, he accepted the proposal to hold a new position and release a salary proof of his concern for the best interests of the club. In this capacity, he would like to thank the club for the trust shown to him by entrusting him with this position.

"This mission is an extension of a career that has forced respect for all his partners, coaches and staff he has met both in the club and in the French team. Laurent Koscielny also shares the club's position, which recalled in its press release that 'no evidence to support these allegations has been brought to the attention of the Club, which in principle intends to exercise the utmost caution'."

Leicester City midfielder and reported Arsenal transfer target Youri Tielemans has dropped a huge hint that he wants his next club to play in the