FC Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny finally completed his drawn out transfer to England this afternoon.
He has put pen to paper on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth up to 12 million euros to the French club.
Koscielny takes the number 6 shirt famously worn by club legend Tony Adams and more recently Philippe Senderos who moved across London to Fulham earlier this summer.
The Gunners’ new signing had a hugely impressive first season at Lorient as his side reached 7th place in Ligue 1 and his arrival will help to ease defensive concerns at the club with fellow centre backs William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre all out of contract.
Manager Arsene Wenger believes Koscielny will be a “great addition” to his team, going on to decribing his latest signing.
“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.”
The right footed centre back, who was born in France but also qualifies for the Polish national side, explained that Arsene Wenger played a key part in his decision to cross the channel.
“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 Arsène 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.”
Koscielny should make his first appearance for Arsenal at the annual pre-season opener against Barnet at Underhill next Saturday.
