Per delighted with Koscielny’s Arsenal stay

After Francis Coquelin, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny committed to new Arsenal contracts this week, skipper Per Mertesacker has revealed his delight that his defensive partner has extended his stay in North London.

The 31-year-old Frenchman joined Arsenal back in 2010, from Lorient, and has since gone on to establish himself as undisputed first-choice in central defence with the Gunners – while amassing 42 caps for his national side.

German defender Mertesacker has also recently agreed terms on a new deal with Arsenal, and with an eight-point gap to Premier League leaders Chelsea, both will be crucial in the weeks to come.

Mertesacker linked up with Arsene Wenger’s team in 2011 and the two defenders have worked together ever since, with the 32-year-old German admitting that Koscielny’s progression has left him stunned.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“I’ve worked closely with Laurent ever since I arrived here and it’s been great to witness his continued progression,” he said.

“He’s really developed his skills in so many areas – his defending, his communication and how he’s handled becoming a key player for this club.

“It’s an absolute joy to watch him play because he has all the ingredients to be a top defender, which he is.

“I’m just proud to be his team-mate and keeping him here was absolutely the best decision the club could have made.”