Arsenal have agreed to new long term deals with French trio Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, and Francis Coquelin.
Giroud signed for Arsenal in 2012 from Montpellier. He’s been a divisive figure amongst many Arsenal fans, but his impact and importance to Arsenal during his four and a half year stay is indisputable.
While criticized by many for being a streaky scorer and one dimensional, Giroud has been Arsenal’s main scoring threat for four and a half seasons, and the only one for a few of those. He’s currently on a four-match goal scoring streak, most recently scoring a late game winner against Preston North End in the FA Cup.
Laurent Koscielny signed for Arsenal in 2010 for £10 million from Lorient. The signing was met with much skepticism but Koscielny has developed into one of Europe’s best central defenders since. He is a key member of the squad and has stood in as captain this season in the absence of injured Per Mertesacker.
Francis Coquelin came through the Arsenal youth system having signed for the club at age 16 in the summer of 2008.
Although highly regarded at the club, Coquelin struggled to break through to the senior squad. Season long loans to Lorient in France and then Freiburg in Germany ensued, but Coquelin failed to make an impact. However, in 2014, Coquelin was recalled from a loan at Charlton to provide depth in Arsenal’s injury riddled midfield. He put in a commanding performance against Manchester City alongside Santi Cazorla and has yet to look back. The next step for Coquelin is perhaps breaking into France’s senior squad.
Speaking on the topic of the trio signing contract extensions, Arsene Wenger expressed his pleasure at retaining three of his key players.
“We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term. Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he’s so focused every day.
“Olivier has big experience in the game now and has become a more and more complete player since joining us. Laurent is a key part of our squad and I believe one of the best defenders in the world. So overall, this is great news for us.”
Giroud has made 206 senior appearances for the club and has scored 91 times. Koscielny has made 273 senior appearances, scoring 22 times. Coquelin has 131 senior appearances, but has yet to score a senior team goal.
Next up, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil.
