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Jose Mourinho is plotting a move to sign an Arsenal defender this summer, according to reports from France.
Mourinho is looking to rebuild the Manchester United defence, especially by signing a new central defender. He sees few better options than Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny. Mourinho feels Koscielny would be the perfect defensive partner for Chris Smalling and together they’d give United a title-winning platform to build upon.
The reports originate from Le 10 Sport in France, who are often reliable with what they report. However despite Mourinho’s interest, it’s hard to imagine the player accepting a transfer after previously rejecting moves to bigger clubs, namely Bayern Munch. Manchester United’s geographical location and lack of Champions League status is unlikely to appeal to Koscielny, whose family is settled in London and he has indicated he would like to stay. Le 10 Sport don’t agree though, they say the defender wants a new challenge after 6 years (of hurt) at The Emirates. It’s hard to see that new challenge being dropping to a club that have finished below Arsenal for two seasons in a row, though.
Manchester United and Mourinho are also looking to sign Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante to add energy to the United midfield. This may be a more realistic signing for Mourinho to make, with the player seemingly unwilling to stay at Leicester City, despite their title win.
Koscielny is obviously going to provide an upgrade on the unconvincing Daley Blind. Alongside Smalling United would have a defence that has a bit of everything, pace, experience, concentration, aggressiveness, it’s the perfect match - but it seems impossible that Arsenal will sell with them already searching for a defensive partner for Koscielny. The Gunners have gone past the days where they need to sell their best players and Mourinho would more than likely be wasting his time should he chase a move for Koscielny.
