Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has expressed his delight at Laurent Koscielny signing a new contract with the club.

Koscielny, 26, committed his future to the Gunners by signing a five-year deal yesterday, following in the footsteps of Vermaelen who extended his contract last year.

The duo have become Arsenal's first choice centre-back pairing, and Vermaelen is keen to link up with the Frenchman for years to come.

"I heard the news that Laurent extended his contract and I'm really happy," he said.

"From the start when he came to Arsenal he has shown he is a great player and he is developing really well. I think he has done everything for the club already and I hope he will stay a few more years.

"Of course he is not here at the moment because he is not fit - he had a holiday because he played in the Euros. But he is a great player and I'm happy that he signed for the club."

Koscielny joined the Gunners from French side Lorient in 2010, making 85 appearances for the club since then.