Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny

Thomas Vermaelen is delighted by Asenal teammate Laurent Koscielny’s new deal

Thomas Vermaelen has revealed his delight at Laurent Koscielny’s new Arsenal contract.

Koscielny, who featured for France at Euro 2012, signed his new deal on Tuesday, and his partner in central defence couldn’t be happier.

“I heard the news that Laurent extended his contract and I’m really happy,” Vermaelen told reporters on Arsenal’s pre-season Asia tour.

“From the start when he came to Arsenal he has shown he is a great player and he is developing really well,” he continued.

“I think he has done everything for the club already and I hope he will stay a few more years.

“Of course he is not here at the moment because he is not fit - he had a holiday because he played in the Euros. But he is a great player and I’m happy that he signed for the club.”

Koscielny was one of Arsenal’s star performers last season, and has formed a solid partnership with Belgium international Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners defence.