Coquelin plans to gain vital experience at Lorient

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has signed a new long-term deal with the club and will now spend the upcoming season on loan at French club Lorient.

The 19-year-old will go back to his homeland and to the Ligue 1 side from which the Gunners signed defender Laurent Koscielny this summer.

"They have given me a new contract so obviously they are counting on me," Coquelin told the Gunners website.

"I am really pleased with that. I will give that back by working hard."

He added: "Arsenal is the right club for me as (manager) Arsene Wenger trusts young players and we can learn quickly at a high level.

"The first six months were quite hard for me because of the language but now I have learned English, now I have my house, my friends in England, and I feel comfortable."

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