LONDON, England, July 24 – France defender Laurent Koscielny has signed a new contract with English Premier League side Arsenal, the north London club announced on Tuesday, without specifying for how long.
“Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Laurent Koscielny has agreed to sign a new long-term contract,” the Gunners said on their official website arsenal.com.
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 2 football to the English top flight in just three seasons was “absolutely exceptional”.
“Laurent is a top-class player and I am very pleased he has decided to commit his future to the club,” Wenger added.
