Arsenal have made the signings of Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette, but since then the attention has turned to potential departures. Some, like Woijech Szczesny, the club have wanted to shift, but others like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez the fans and club are hoping to keep.
Another one of Arsenal’s players who could be classed as world class by many is Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman has always been fairly loyal to the club since Wenger took a risk and brought him from Ligue 1. The likes of Bayern Munich had been linked, but Koscielny has calmed the nerves of Arsenal fans by suggesting that he will be staying put.
“I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team,” Koscielny said.
“When I first got here, I didn’t think about how long I would stay at this club – but now I am starting my eighth season.”
Wenger extended his contract at the end of the season and that appears to have reaffirmed Koscielny’s decision to stay at the club: “[Manager] Arsene Wenger is a big [inspiration] for me. He bought me from France, has given me everything to help me play for Arsenal, and has helped me as a man too.
“I have a big [loyalty] to this club and to the boss too. I am happy to be here with him and to fight for him because he is a great person.”
Koscielny is likely to start his first full season in a 5 at the back formation. He did well in the few games he played there at the end of the season, but it is still possible that Arsenal will look to add another central defender to their ranks before the season starts. Wenger though is keen to shift some players before any new arrivals come.
Now 31, it appears that Koscielny will end his career at Arsenal, or at least spend his best years at the club. There are some concerns over his Achilles though – the club will be cautious about putting too much stress on that throughout the upcoming season.