Arsenal sign French defender Koscielny

Arsenal have signed defender Laurent Koscielny from French club Lorient on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League side announced on Wednesday.

Manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “Koscielny is a central defender with great ability who performed extremely well last season for Lorient.

“We identified him as a very strong centre-half, who has made big progress very quickly,” the French boss added.

“He has shown he is mentally strong, he’s a fighter and a very strong competitor. Koscielny is a great addition to our squad.”

Koscielny, who will wear the number six shirt, said: “I’m very excited to be joining Arsenal. They are one of the biggest teams in Europe with many great players.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the English Premier League and the Champions League with my new club.

“Also, in Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have one of the best managers in the world and I can’t wait to work with him and do my best for the Arsenal supporters.”

“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make. It is exceptional to have a club like Arsenal wanting to sign you,” Koscielny added.

“I don’t believe any French player would have refused to come and play for Arsenal. It is a very big club that plays in the Champions League and it is always near the top of the Premier League.

“Arsenal is a reference for football and we all know the quality of their game. The decision was quickly taken – I took the decision the day after hearing about their interest in me.

“I know the club have the means and the ambition to get that Premier League title and to go as far as possible in the Champions League.”

Wenger had tracked the 24-year-old for some time as Koscielny, who is also eligible to play for Poland, impressed in the French domestic league.