Koscielny focuses on Gunners future

25 June 2013 13:46

Defender Laurent Koscielny has again reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal - and believes the Gunners can use their superb end to last season as a springboard for success in 2013/2014.

Koscielny, 27, impressed alongside Per Mertesacker at the heart of the Arsenal defence over a 10-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League which saw them overhaul rivals Tottenham to snatch fourth place and secure another shot at the Champions League.

The France international has found himself linked with a summer move away from the Emirates Stadium, with Bayern Munich touted as a possible destination. However, the defender maintains his current focus is completely with the Gunners. Speaking to French regional newspaper La Montagne, Koscielny said: "I have a four-year contract. For now, I am still at Arsenal."

The Gunners recorded a memorable victory over Bayern in the Allianz Arena in March, where Koscielny scored the second goal of a 2-0 win in their Champions League last 16 second-leg clash. Although it was not enough to secure qualification, it restored belief and kickstarted Arsenal's brilliant end to the campaign, with eight out of 10 victories.

Koscielny hopes his team can take that confidence into the new campaign, which will see them play a crucial Champions League qualifier in August.

"The second leg of the Champions League against Bayern Munich was a trigger for us," he added. "In the process, we almost won everything.

"The most important thing is that Arsenal is in the Champions League. It is super exciting to play against the best teams in Europe."

Arsenal are expected to strengthen the squad this summer, with Real Madrid's £25million-rated forward Gonzalo Higuain high on the watchlist of manager Arsene Wenger.

The club are set to confirm the arrival of Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer when the France Under-21 attacker's contract with Auxerre expires on July 1.

Source: PA