Arsenal trio sign new long-term contracts

Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Francis Coquelin have all committed their futures to Arsenal by agreeing new long-term contracts.

The club have not disclosed the lengths of the deals the French trio have signed.

Giroud scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and has nine this term despite most of his appearances coming from the bench, with Alexis Sanchez and Lucas Perez often preferred in the central striking role.

Fellow France international Koscielny has established himself as a regular in the Gunners’ defence since joining from Lorient in 2010.

He has made 273 appearances for the club and scored some crucial goals, most notably on the final day of both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons plus the equaliser against Hull in the 2014 FA Cup final.

Coquelin, who was 17 when he joined from hometown club Stade Lavallois after a trial in 2008, has played 131 times in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term.

“Olivier has big experience in the game now and has become a more and more complete player since joining us.

“Laurent is of course a key part of our squad and I believe one of the best defenders in the world today.

“Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he’s so focused every day.

“So overall, this is great news for us.”