Clichy - Koscielny can give us what we need

By Chris Harris

Gael Clichy believes the acquisition of Laurent Koscielny will help stiffen Arsenal's defence this season.

The Gunners conceded 41 goals last term - a figure deemed too high by Arsène Wenger - and they have lost four centre backs this summer: William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos, all of whom were out of contract.

Wenger is still on the lookout for reinforcements to plug that gap before the transfer window closes but the manager has already secured the services of Koscielny, who signed from Lorient last season.

At 25, Clichy is less than a year older than Koscielny but he is the longest-serving outfield player at Emirates Stadium and took it upon himself to welcome the new recruit into the Arsenal fold. And he likes what he has seen so far.

"I think Laurent is going to be a good player for us," Clichy told Arsenal.com.

"He is strong in the air and comfortable on the ball and that’s what we need. Also Johan can play there [at centre back], Alex Song can too and Havard Nordtveit. So we’re looking good – if the boss wants to add some players then he will but like I say we have a big squad and if we can all stay fit then we can do something."
 
Clichy added: "I’ve tried to do my bit and help the new guys settle in, that’s your job and it’s always easier to help being French-speaking, so I’ve done what I can.

"We’re all here to help each other and, as we always say, it is a family here."

[Wednesday, August 04, 2010]

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