As the summer madness continues with Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott both left with under 12 months on their current contracts, it seems the club are moving fast to ensure similar problems don’t recurr with players we really want to keep.

L’Equipe is reporting this morning that we’re in discussions with Laurent Koscielny about extending his deal – which expires in 2014 – for a further three years, bringing him to 2017.

It’s a sign not just of Arsenal’s desire to tie down important players, but also the progress that the French international has made since joining from Lorient in 2010. After a first season during which he struggled at times to adapt, culminating in the heartbreak of the Carling Cup final, Koscielny really blossomed in his second campaign and has realised much of the potential that Arsene Wenger saw in him.

He established himself as the first choice centre-half last season, making 42 appearances, and there isn’t an Arsenal fan who would argue he doesn’t deserve the new deal.

Fingers crossed discussions go well and this is a bit of good news to counter the abject misery elsewhere.

Allez, Laurent!