Arsenal legend Martin Keown has stated his belief that Laurent Koscielny is in the same class as former defenders Tony Adams and Sol Campbell.

Koscielny, who is expected to be part of Arsenal’s squad travelling to Sydney next week, has spent seven years with the Gunners and developed significantly with experience.

Having established himself as the club’s best centre-back a few years prior, Keown’s comments don’t come as much of a surprise given just how influential the Frenchman’s presence is at the back.

When speaking to the Daily Telegraph’s Australian version Keown was full of praise for the 31-year-old.

“Well, he’s the player I enjoy watching most of all because he’s got kind of an ABS brakes the way that he stops, changes direction.

“He’s got great pace, he’s good in the air. Technically, he’s as good as anybody. He’s really important to Arsenal and the club at the moment.”

Despite signing a contract extension in January, Koscielny has once again been linked with a lucrative move away from the Emirates already this summer.

The forthcoming campaign is fast approaching and Arsenal will undoubtedly be keen to keep hold of the former Lorient man.