Koscielny ready for Gunners action

(GSM) – Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has revealed that he is excited by the prospect of physical battles in the English Premier League and cannot wait to get involved.

The Frenchman arrived at Arsene Wenger’s side from French Ligue 1 team Lorient this summer, offering his manager much needed defensive options.

In their fading title challenge last season, the Gunners’ leaked 41 goals but the 24-year-old insists he can compete with the physicality of the top-flight, a problem Arsenal have been accused of shirking from in the past.

Koscielny wants to give supporters a glimpse of his ability in next week’s Emirates Cup, a pre-season tournament held at the Londoners’ home against Olympique Lyon, Milan and Celtic.

Koscielny told the club’s official website: “I like physical challenges and I’m a player that can anticipate situations. I feel that I read the game well and one of my strengths is challenging for the ball in the air.

“However, being at Arsenal, I know that I will have to work harder on all of those points to reach a higher level.

“I jut hope I will be able to play and give my all to win both our matches in the Emirates Cup. I’m excited about seeing the supporters and stadium for the first time and I am very motivated and confident for the Emirates Cup.

“We play against two very big clubs in AC Milan and Celtic, and I can’t wait to wear the Arsenal shirt at the Emirates Stadium.”