Laurent Koscielny
Koscielny has become the player Arsenal’s defence has been built around. He’s earned his reputation as the club’s best senior centre-back since his arrival 5 years ago.
The Frenchman is a pivotal part in the Gunners back-four as he provides the side much needed assurance, with his aggression, pace and intelligence, often covering for the exploitations of Per Mertesacker’s weaknesses.
He is one player Arsenal would find difficult to replace should he decide to leave the Emirates sooner rather than later, and therefore Wenger cannot afford to let this man go at such a time in the club’s upward curve.