PSG vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Arsene Wenger revealed he's turned down approaches to manage UEFA Champions League opponents Paris Saint-Germain in the past because he loves Arsenal. 

The Gunners manager was speaking ahead of his side's Group A match in Paris on Tuesday and added that stalwart centre-back Laurent Koscielny is available and now one of the best in the world at his position.

Wenger also stated talks will soon begin to extend the contracts of star attacking players Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Wenger was speaking after turning up late for his pre-match press conference due to being stuck in Paris traffic, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

He responded to questions he had turned down offers from PSG by reaffirming his fidelity to the Gunners, per Squawka News:

Matt Spiro of beIN Sports cited a report from French publication L'Equipe stating PSG have approached Wenger several times:

Wenger's decision to stay at Arsenal hasn't always proved a palatable one with the fans. He's come in for fierce criticism from sections of the club's support who are frustrated with the failure to win a Premier League title since 2004.

Still, Wenger has weathered the pressure and the critics to keep the Gunners playing UEFA Champions League football every season. He also delivered back-to-back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015.

The Frenchman is now in the final year of his contract as he approaches 20 years in charge at Arsenal. His opposite number, PSG boss Unai Emery, praised Wenger's stint in charge, per the tournament's official site:

Wenger's longevity and success merit respect, but he still hasn't managed to bring Europe's biggest prize to Arsenal. Defeat in the final in 2006 and losing the semi-final in 2009 represent his best years in the competition.

The Gunners have been eliminated at the last-16 stage in each of the last six years.

Putting that right will mean Arsenal's big players being available. One of them is Koscielny. The France international took a heavy whack to the face late on in the Gunners' recent 2-1 Premier League win over Southampton on Saturday.

But Wenger revealed his talisman at the back has recovered in time to be available, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

Koscielny's presence will be key in the French capital. He's emerged as the true leader of this Arsenal squad and is vital in holding the defence together.

In fact, Wenger believes the man he signed from FC Lorient in 2010 is now one of the world's best, via Spiro:

The PSG attack has struggled in the post-Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Laurent Blanc era, but the Gunners will still need to be resolute at the back if they are to leave Paris with a result. So a big performance from Koscielny will be key.

Wenger will also know how important his two best attacking talents are for improving Arsenal's fortunes in Europe. So it should encourage Gunners fans that the Arsenal boss has revealed talks over new contracts for playmaker Ozil and goal-getter Sanchez are imminent, per GFFNPressConferences:

Wenger's words follow recent reports stating Sanchez and Ozil will sign new contracts, per Steve Stammers of the Sunday Mirror. Each of the marquee players has two years remaining on their existing deal with the north London club.

Keeping Ozil and Sanchez for the long term is essential if Arsenal are going to stay competitive in the upper echelons of England's top flight and Europe's premier club competition.

Having high-profile names in the squad is a sure way of attracting more top players. It also increases Arsenal's chances of finally landing major trophies again.

Achieving success en route to the one prize that has eluded Wenger can be the first step toward ensuring Ozil and Sanchez will not only stay but also be joined by other global stars in the near future.