Koscielny is believed to be upset at a supposed broken promise from Arsenal that he would be allowed to return to Ligue 1 ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.
Bordeaux, Rennes, and Lyon are all reportedly interested in signing the ex-France international – and former Arsenal forward Giroud has expressed his sympathy for his compatriot
“Lolo is a good friend of mine,’ Giroud, now at Chelsea, told BBC Sport. “I’ve known him now for 10, 11 years. We played together in the second division [in France, at Tours].
“He’s been playing for Arsenal for nine years; he’s been the skipper for so many years – very respectful, very professional, always the best example for the young players.
“The club gave him the opportunity to play at Arsenal, and it was a big, big opportunity for him to show his quality in the Premier League.
“I think he has always been grateful about that and respectful to the club. I don’t understand how we have got to this situation.
“I feel very sad for him because he’s a great person and the media wants to give a bad image of him.
“I’m not at the club, I don’t know what really happened – but one thing for sure is Lolo is very hurt by what’s happening and he’s an emotional person.’
Giroud added: “You cannot make a judgement when you don’t have all the clues.
“I’m pretty sure we don’t know everything in this situation. I hope both sides will find the best agreement.”
