Coquelin, Giroud, Koscielny sign new Arsel contracts

London, Jan 12: French trio of Francis Coquelin, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny have all signed new long-term contracts with Arsel, the English football giants announced on Thursday. Arsel head coach Arsene Wenger was pleased to have secured the futures of the "three important members" of his team. "We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term. Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he's so focused every day," Wenger said in a statement. "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. So overall, this is great news for us," he added.

Coquelin, 25, has become a key figure in Arsel midfield in recent seasons and has now made 131 senior appearances for the club. Olivier, 30, was the capital club's top scorer in 2015/16 season with 24 goals in all competitions, before helping France reach the fil of Euro 2016 last summer. He has continued his fine form this season with nine goals so far. Defender Koscielny, 31, has made 273 appearances and netted 22 times -- including decisive goals on the fil day of the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons to secure Champions League qualification. IANS