WENGER JOY
French trio agree new deals with Gunners
ArSENAL have been handed a triple boost after French trio Laurent Koscielny, Francis Coquelin and Olivier Giroud signed new deals.
France internationals Koscielny and Giroud have signed until 2020, and Coquelin has agreed a deal until the summer of 2021.
Koscielny and Coquelin — who is out with a hamstring injury — have become vital to Arsene Wenger in recent years and the Arsenal boss identified cementing their longterm futures as a priority.
Giroud has, until recently, found first-team opportunities hard to come by owing to Wenger using star man Alexis Sanchez as a central striker.
But Giroud has received assurances over his role in Wenger’s plans and has signed fresh terms.
Wenger said: ‘We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term. Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he’s so focused every day.
‘Olivier has big experience in the game now and has become a more and more complete player since joining us. Laurent is a key part of our squad and I believe one of the best defenders in the world today. This is great news for us.’ CrYSTAL PALACE are closing on a £12million deal for Leicester City midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp and have offered £8m for Sunderland’s Patrick van Aanholt.
Palace have increased their £9.5m offer for Schlupp but expect competition from West Bromwich Albion after Claudio ranieri confirmed the 24-year-old can leave.
Sam Allardyce is hopeful he can reach agreement with his old club for Van Aanholt at £8m plus £2m.
The Palace boss, who has also made offers for Norwich’s robbie Brady and Arsenal’s Carl Jenkinson, says Christian Benteke will not be sold, despite offers from China.
Palace have also failed in an audacious bid to land Sevilla captain Vicente Iborra.