Football: Koscielny signs new deal at Arsenal

LONDON: France defender Laurent Koscielny has signed a new contract with Arsenal. The 26-year-old centre-back arrived in the British capital from Ligue 1 club Lorient in the close season two years ago and has played 85 times for Arsenal in the last two seasons. His form for Arsenal saw him called up to France's national team and he was part of Les Bleus' squad that took part in last month's Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described Koscielny's performances as ‘outstanding’ and said his development from Ligue 1 football to the English top flight in just three seasons was ‘absolutely exceptional’. "Laurent is a top-class player and has served the club well so far. I am very pleased he has decided to commit his future to the club," added Wenger.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2012.