There are some morning headlines you wake up to that just set the tone for your day. The one that has left me with a broad smile is the news that Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, and Francis Coquelin have extended their contracts with the Gunners!
🇫🇷 French connection pic.twitter.com/WvNuO9EoET
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 12, 2017
As a Gunner, this is exciting news as these three are very key members of the squad. Furthermore, there’s a contagious energy that associates contract extensions within the team which dovetail to a hopeful situation with the Sanchez and Özil contract saga.
According to Arsene Wenger, all of them have been tied to long-term contracts. This is also encouraging as Arsenal’s policy towards contracts for players above 30 years of age usually is an extension for 1 year. It is reported by Mirror, that Koscielny and Giroud have extended till 2020 while Coquelin will stay until 2021.
With this development, experience and team spirit is retained and fostered respectively.
The Boss added further praise for Laurent Koscielny who from a non-league had transformed into one of the best defenders in Europe.
Manager Arsene Wenger said in a statement on Arsenal’s official website, he said:
“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.”
“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.”
As evident to all and in his stats, Koscielny’s composure in the center back position for club and country is an asset to the team. His ability in aerial duels, interceptions, and last ditch tackles is magnificent to watch.
Francis Coquelin has become an astute defensive midfielder with staggering statistics to show for it. Having come a long way from loan spells and almost quitting the Emirates, he has embodied the essence of resurgence.
His recall to the team from his loan spell to Charlton Athletic as a result of injuries to the team in the middle of the park in January 2014 set the timeline that has earned him this contract and admiration from the Arsenal faithful.
Taking the opportunity with both hands, Francis Coquelin has today become an integral part of the senior squad and arguably starting 11.
Olivier Giroud needs no further justification as regards his value to the team nor his current contract renewal. With his goal tally since his switch from Montpellier in Ligue 1 to the Emirates closing in on 100 after less than 250 games in Arsenal colors, his proficiency in front of goal is commendable and borderline very impressive.
His displays this season have further cemented the sentiment as regards his importance to the Arsenal team. With point grabbing, qualification securing and reputation preserving late goals to show for it.
Is it possible to ignore that pure piece of magic popularly referred to as “Giroud’s scorpion strike “? Without a doubt, this season will definitely have his name written all over it.
His mental strength is unbelievably rare and yet so consistent. A team player with a physical presence which he doesn’t hesitate to use in favor of his side.
On another note, Lucas Perez has given us an insight into how he became the man we have come to know. It is no surprise how direct and focused his gameplay is after digesting all he had to say.
Hopefully, our next transfer confirmation will be those of Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez. Till then, stay safe…..
