Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny hails Chelsea star Didier Drogba as 'toughest Premier League striker'

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has lavished praise on Chelsea star Didier Drogba, claiming the Ivory Coast international is the "complete striker" and the toughest Premier League forward he has ever faced.

The 36-year-old has been one of the biggest tormentors of the Gunners defence since his first spell at Stamford Bridge, having scored 15 goals in 15 games against them.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently admitted he would love to have managed Drogba, and now Koscielny has paid tribute to him during a live Twitter Takeover promoted by the club.

When asked who was the toughest striker he has ever faced, Koscielny responded: "Messi... and in England I would say Drogba.

"He is the complete striker, good in the air and strong."

Meanwhile, the France international defender has revealed that Arsenal summer signing Alexis Sanchez is not just a hit in the grounds – having scored 18 goals since his summer move to the Emirates Stadium – but also the funniest player in the dressing room.

"Good question! I think it's Alexis, he smiles all the time, he wants to train all the time! He likes a joke," Koscielny said when asked to name the most humorous Arsenal player.

At the same time Koscielny's teammate Francis Coquelin has spoken out about how his life has changed in recent months after Wenger recalled him from his loan at Charlton to become a regular in the Arsenal line-up.

"It's been incredible! Playing at Charlton, coming back and being a starter. Just unbelievable!" Coquelin said.

Meanwhile Chuba Akpom has expressed his confidence in becoming a regular player for the Arsenal first-team in the near future after recently committing his future to the club with a new deal.

When asked where he sees himself in five years, the young striker said: "Hopefully still playing for Arsenal and the England senior team too. I want to emulate the Arsenal legends."