Reports from France claim that Bayern Munich approached Laurent Koscielny before they opted to sign Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund.

The central defender, who is one of the favourites to become the new club captain, is under contract until 2017 but at 30-years-old this was probably his last chance for a massive move – and he’s not going anywhere.

Arriving in 2010, Kos took a while to win over the entire fanbase but since then he has been regularly hailed as Arsenal’s best and most consistent defender. His ability to pop up with important goals hasn’t hurt either.

Arsenal's French defender Laurent Koscielny (L) vies with Bayern Munich's Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Bayern Munich and FC Arsenal in Munich, southern Germany, on March 11, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN
Arsenal’s French defender Laurent Koscielny (L) vies with Bayern Munich’s Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between Bayern Munich and FC Arsenal in Munich, southern Germany, on March 11, 2014. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN

While all eyes are on the incomings, it’s well worth remembering that signing players is only 50% of the battle.

The players already at the club have to be made to feel like this is the best place for them.

We may well laugh at phrases such as ‘like a new signing’ but keeping hold of our best players, something we haven’t been able to do until the last couple of seasons, really is just as important.