Wenger confirms Gallas departure and Koscielny talks

Manager Arsène Wenger confirmed yesterday that defender William Gallas has indeed left the club as a free agent.

The club had been trying to renew the Frenchman's contract but failed to agree on terms, and with Gallas in South Africa any further contract negotiations were always going to be difficult.

Wenger commented that perhaps Gallas' uncertain future in the sport [not having a club yet] was playing on his mind during the prestigious tournament in South Africa, but couldn't be sure if this was the case.

He said: "I don't know if Gallas has been perturbed by his departure from Arsenal.

"I knew he wouldn't be at 100 per cent for this tournament. The question for the manager is to know if he should have called up Gallas while knowing he's not 100 per cent.

"He's played 35 minutes in four months before here.

"It's not enough to get into a competition like this. When you don't know where you are physically, a player is always fragile.

"Wiliam is a boy with great will, he's a winner. But he wants to do well so badly that sometimes he puts a lot of pressure on himself."

Arsenal Mania wishes William Gallas all the best in his future career with any club.

With several central defenders having followed Gallas out the door, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos have all left the club, it's important that Wenger signs a replacement to partner Thomas Vermaelen in central defence.

Wenger confirmed that a bid has been made for Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny.

He said: "There has been an approach for Koscielny and there still is one."

Negotiations are still ongoing, but barring the agreement of personal terms and a medical, Koscielny is expected to sign for us soon.

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