With the summer transfer window in full swing, Football Talk will be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest transfer news throughout the summer. Today, Barcelona are linked with a move for an Arsenal defender.

Laurent Koscielny has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Barcelona, according to the Metro.

Barca are short of options at centre back, with midfielders Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets regularly deployed at the back last season. This has lead to new boss Tito Vilanova making strengthening the heart of his defence his top priority this summer.

The Metro claims the Spanish giants have been linked with the likes of PSG-bound Thiago Silva and Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen, but have been forced to look at cheaper alternatives due to limited transfer funds.

The Catalans are believed to have turned their attention to Vermaelen’s Arsenal team-mate Laurent Koscielny and are seriously considering making a bid for the French centre-back.

Koscienly struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League during his first season with the Gunners following his move from Lorient in 2010. However, his form improved drastically last year and the 26-year-old was one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers during a turbulent campaign.

This has lead to interest from some of Europe’s top clubs with Inter Milan previously linked with a move before Barca’s interest was revealed.

The news of interest from Spain is likely to push Arsenal into opening talks over a new contract for Koscielny quicker than they had initially planned. The defender has two years to run on his current deal and the Gunners want him to commit his long-term future to the club and are set to offer him a new five-year contract.

Football Talk Verdict

Seriously? Barcelona want another Arsenal player?! I’m hoping this is nothing more than idle transfer gossip as the last thing we need is that lot unsettling Koscielny just as he cements himself as an important first team player at the Emirates.

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However, the way Kos played last season i’d expect Barca do have him down on their short list of potential targets this summer. But that doesn’t mean A) they will turn that interest into an official move or B) that a deal will happen.

What do you make of Barca’s reported interest in Koscielny? Get involved in the comments section.

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