Laurent Koscielny: I have no reason to leave Arsenal... I'm happy to be here and fight for Arsene Wenger

Going nowhere: Koscielny insists he is committed to Arsenal
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James Benge23 July 2017

Laurent Koscielny insists he sees no reason why he should move on from Arsenal, despite being coveted by some of Europe's top clubs.

The Arsenal vice-captain has been targeted by Bayern Munich in the past and, with his 32nd birthday less than two months away, would have to move fast if he wanted to switch to Europe's elite.

Marseille have also expressed interest in bringing Koscielny, a boyhood fan of the French giants, back to Ligue 1.

However Koscielny, who signed a new contract at Arsenal in November, insists he cannot see a reason why he would want to depart north London.

“When I first got here, I didn’t think about how long I would stay at this club - but now I am starting my eighth season so I am very happy with this,” Koscielny said.

“I am happy in my life every day, not just the football but my life with my wife and kids in London. We enjoy it, that’s why I have stayed for a long time here.

“I have a long contract with Arsenal and I have [no reason] to leave the club. I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team, and get the best results for the club. If i can do all of that, then I am happy.”

Koscielny joined Arsenal for £8.5million from Lorient in 2010 having played only one season of top flight football in France.

Under Wenger's tutelage he has blossommed into one of Europe's top defenders and Koscielny now wants to “fight” for a manager who gave him the chance to shine at the highest level.

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“Arsene Wenger is a big [inspiration] for me. He bought me from France and has given me everything to help me play for Arsenal, and has helped me as a man too.

“I have a big [loyalty] to this club and to the boss too. I have stayed here for seven years and I have learnt a lot from him, so I am happy to be here with him and to fight for him because he is a great person.”

Koscielny continues to struggle with a back injury that will require daily rehabilitation for the rest of his career and has so far played just 111 minutes of Arsenal's four pre-season games.

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