Aston Villa have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal club captain Laurent Koscielny as Dean Smith looks to revamp the current playing squad at Villa Park. 

Reports from Italy suggest that Villa are plotting a move to bring the former French international to Villa Park in what would be a bold statement from Dean Smith's side this season.

The Arsenal skipper is yet to make an appearance for the first-team this season and has evidently fallen down the pecking order with the Gunners, with Shrokdan Mustafi and Rob Holding seemingly ahead of the Frenchman.

The 33-year-old made 25 appearances for Arsenal last season but injury ruled him out of action towards the end of the season in what was Arsene Wenger's final season in charge of the club.

Villa could certainly benefit from signing the experienced defender with Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester being the only options that Dean Smith has available to him in the centre of defence.

Aston Villa would have to take his wages into consideration as Koscielny is likely to command a high amount to drop into the Championship this season.

But with a lack of first-team opportunities with Unai Emery's side, the defender could be tempted to make the move to Villa Park in order to get regular first-team football under his belt.

The Verdict: 

The news of Villa's interest in Koscielny does come as a surprise, and I would be stunned if the Arsenal centre-back is willing to take the step down to the Championship.

The former French international could certainly still perform at a high standard for another Premier League club.

But he could be tempted to join Dean Smith at Aston Villa if they were to mount a challenge for promotion back to the Premier League this season.