Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Francis Coquelin sign new Arsenal deals

Arsene Wenger said: “We are very pleased that three important members of our team have committed to us for the long term."

Giroud, 30, joined Arsenal in 2012 and has been in terrific form of late, scoring a stunning scorpion kick against Crystal Palace, bagging two assists and a goal against Bournemouth, while also netting a late winner against Preston in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, France international team-mate Koscielny has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League since joining the Gunners back in 2010.

And despite being sent on a number of loan spells during his time at Arsenal, Coquelin has impressed in the past couple of seasons at the Emirates, starting 15 of the 20 league games so fair this season.

"Francis has made tremendous technical strides over the past few years because he’s so focused every day," Wenger added.

"Olivier has big experience in the game now and has become a more and more complete player since joining us. Laurent is of course a key part of our squad and I believe one of the best defenders in the world today. So overall, this is great news for us.”

This is good news for Arsenal as it settles the future of a prominent player in all the key areas of the pitch: defence, midfield and attack. However, the really big contractual questions at the club remain unaddressed, with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil having 18 months left on their deals and, overarching everything, the fact that Arsene Wenger is out of contract at the end of the season...