Vermaelen relishing new partnership

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen believes he will forge a robust centre-back partnership with new signing Laurent Koscielny. 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.With centre-backs Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre likely to find new clubs, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is short of options.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."It doesn't matter for me who I play with," he told the club's official website."You know each other's qualities and you know how the players play."I didn't know Koscielny before but I have seen him in training."He is a good defender, he puts pressure on the attackers all the time and he is tight with his marking."I have played alongside him a few times in training and that has gone well. He is a good defender."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."Emerging midfielder Francis Coquelin will be travelling the path taken by Koscielny but in reverse after signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal.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."Arsenal is the right club for me because Arsene Wenger trusts young players and we can learn quickly at a high level," he said."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."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."

Source: Team_Talk