Source: Team_Talk
Vermaelen relishing new partnership
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen believes he will forge a robust centre-back partnership with new signing Laurent Koscielny.[LNB] Vermaelen has been impressed by what he has seen of the summer recruit from French club Lorient and they could be paired together right from the start of the season.[LNB]With centre-backs Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre likely to find new clubs, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is short of options.[LNB]Johan Djourou's return from injury provides Wenger with an alternative and Vermaelen, who enjoyed a superb debut season in the Barclays Premier League last term, would be happy to play with either of them.[LNB]"It doesn't matter for me who I play with," he told the club's official website.[LNB]"You know each other's qualities and you know how the players play.[LNB]"I didn't know Koscielny before but I have seen him in training.[LNB]"He is a good defender, he puts pressure on the attackers all the time and he is tight with his marking.[LNB]"I have played alongside him a few times in training and that has gone well. He is a good defender.[LNB]"Djourou had a long injury last year, for almost all of the season. I think for him it is good to be back. I know him well and he is a quality player."[LNB]Emerging midfielder Francis Coquelin will be travelling the path taken by Koscielny but in reverse after signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal.[LNB]The 19-year-old Frenchman will now join Ligue 1 side Lorient in a one-year loan deal and intends to challenge for a first-team place when he returns to the Emirates Stadium.[LNB]"Arsenal is the right club for me because Arsene Wenger trusts young players and we can learn quickly at a high level," he said.[LNB]"The first six months were quite hard for me because of the language but now I have learned English, now I have my house, my friends in England, and I feel comfortable.[LNB]"They have given me a new contract so obviously they are counting on me and I am really pleased with that. I will give that back by working hard."
