[Official] Arsenal complete signing of defender Koscielny
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Arsenal complete signing of Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny in £8.5m deal
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.’