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Incoming Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola gives go ahead for Laurent Koscielny deal
BAYERN MUNICH coach Pep Guardiola has given his approval for a move to be made for Laurent Koscielny.
The Arsenal centre-back has been in and out of the first team, with Arsene Wenger rotating him, Per Mertesacker with Thomas Vermaelen for the bulk of Premier League games.
Bayern have grand plans themselves this summer, as Guardiola is expected to be armed with a £270m transfer war chest.
And it seems the Bundesliga powerhouses are keen to press ahead with a move for Koscielny.
Football website Goal.com reveals the Gunners have warned Bayern that Koscielny is off bounds as Wenger sees him as key to his plans.
They also state that Arsenal have valued Koscielny at £20m to stave off interest from suitors, though that wouldn't dissuade Guardiola from bidding.
Bayern's veteran centre back Daniel Van Buyten's contract runs up in the summer, which could be part of Guardiola's rationale.
Arsenal could leapfrog Chelsea into third if they beat QPR tomorrow.