Agent: Koscielny was looking at leaving Arsenal before injury

Laurent Koscielny last played for Arsenal in May, and it seems that - had it not been for a serious injury - it could have been one of his final games for the club.

The France international's agent, Stephane Courbis, revealed that the 32-year-old was considering a summer move away from the Gunners before being struck down with an Achilles injury.

"At that time (in May), Laurent was playing what might have been his final matches with Arsenal," Courbis told France Football, as quoted by ESPN's Mattias Karen. "Laurent started to consider a possible move away from Arsenal at the same time as Arsene (Wenger). The moment was right, leaving as (a) new coach arrived. I had already anticipated this and two or three offers were making us think hard.

"We were open to a number of options. China was one, as much as a return to France. Laurent could not see himself playing for another English team outside of Arsenal. Since Marseille's approach last season, the idea of a Ligue 1 return got him thinking - it was a real possibility."

Initially, Koscielny wasn't expected to return to training until around December. It was a sign of his seniority and the respect he commands around the Emirates Stadium that despite the prognosis, he was appointed as the club's new captain by Wenger's successor, Unai Emery, upon his arrival this summer.

Then, it was unexpectedly announced by Arsenal two weeks ago that the center-back had already returned to light training, considerably ahead of schedule.