Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is reportedly set to sign a new contract with the club next week that will see the Frenchmanremain in the red half ofnorth London until 2020.
The French international has consistently been one of the club's best performers over the last few seasons, with his displays cementing him as one of the top centre backs in Europe, and the Gunners are keen to see the former Lorient manstay at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.
According toL'Equipe, the 31-year-old will put pen to paper in the coming days that will see him commit to the club until 2020, meaning Koscielny will be35 when his next contract runs comes to its conclusion.
The decision seems to bea rarity for coach Arsene Wenger, who has been known in the past to let go, or limit the extension of contracts,of players once they have surpassed 30 years of age. However the Frenchman seems to be making an exception in this case, which should make Koscielny the oldest serving French player in Arsenal's history.
Koscielny set to extend #Arsenal contract til 2020. Some minor details still to settle but deal should be announced in next week (L'Equipe)
Arsenal's dependence on the centre backis clear for all to see, with Koscielny playing every game so far this season. After developing a seemingly lasting partnership with summer signing Shkodran Mustafi, the two-time FA Cup winnerlooks to be a crucial factor in the club's title race this season.
Koscielny also holds an impressive record with the north London outfit, having not lost a Premier League game whilst starting a game forArsenal since March, and will be looking to continue that streak when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday.