Arsenal have completed an £8.5million deal for uncapped Lorient
centre back Laurent Koscielny.
Arsene Wenger has been looking for cover at the back, having
released William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre and with Sol Campbell
mulling over a one-year deal.
Koscielny, born in France but also qualified for Poland, was
voted best player in Ligue 2 in 2009 while at Tours and played 35
games for Lorient last season in Ligue 1.
On the move: Laurent Koscielny has signed for
Arsenal and will wear the No 6 shirt
Wenger said: '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. 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 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 has 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.'
Heads, you win: Koscielny made 40 appearances for
Lorient last season
Gallas, meanwhile, has revealed the extent of player contempt
for France’s World Cup coach Raymond Domenech.
The former Arsenal defender said: ‘Even the training sessions
weren’t up to the level required.
‘Domenech hammered into us: “Put your egos to one side”. But I
believe he forgot to do that himself.’