Laurent Koscielny agrees new Arsenal contract

Arsenal have confirmed that Laurent Koscielny has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The 26-year-old has agreed a five-year deal that commits his future to the Gunners until 2017.

Koscielny said: "I'm delighted to have reached agreement with the club. I have had a fantastic time here and look forward to an exciting future with Arsenal."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also delighted with the news. He said: "Laurent is a top-class player and I am very pleased he has decided to commit his future to the club.

"When you consider that until 2009 he was playing in Ligue 2 in France and that he is now performing at the very top level in the Premier League and for his country, the development that he has shown has been absolutely exceptional."

Koscielny's fine form for the Gunners has earned him four French international caps, including starting against Spain at Euro 2012.