Unai Emery makes a statement to Laurent Koscielny as the battle of Arsenal continues

Unai Emery is fighting to convince Arsenal captain, Laurent Koscielny, to stay put.

Koscielny played his 353rd game with the Gunners in the final Europa League loss to Chelsea.

Since his decision to strike this summer, it looks like it will be his last game for the club.

The 33-year-old refused to go on a pre-season tour of the United States after his request to terminate his contract to return to France was rejected.

Koscielny has since been forced to train with the junior teams of the club and remains determined to leave.

But Emery still hopes to reinstate the skipper in his team, without adding to his defensive lineup this summer – with the exception of William Saliba, who stays in Saint-Etienne until 2020.

Speaking after the friendly meeting with Angers on Wednesday night, the Spaniard admitted his belief that Arsenal is better with the French than without.

"He is a very important player for us," said Emery. "We discuss with him and with the team, my responsibilities, the responsibility of the club and its responsibility.

"With respect, it's better for us, it's better for the team and it changes our idea with the center back, because if he's here with us this season, it's very different from if he is not with us.

"At the moment, it's a very personal decision, and we respect it.

"I talk with him and we will find the best solution, but overall, we need a player like him."

"I struggle to convince him, but I respect his decision, a very personal decision, and this situation can only be managed with one argument.

"I have not lost hope that he will be with us next year, but for the moment his decision is to leave."

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Angers in his penultimate friendly match, thanks to a Reiss Nelson equalizer, before imposing on penalties.