Vermaelen signs new contract

Arsenal vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen has extended his stay at Arsenal by signing a new long term contract.

Vermaelen has been one of Wenger's best buys of recent years, and was one of the club's most influential players in his debut season. However, a series of injuries have kept him on ths sidelines, limiting him to only nine appearances in the last 18 months.

The deal will come as a welcome relief for under fire manager Arsene Wenger, who has seen his best players leave in the summer, with Cesc Fabregas moving back to boyhood club Barcelona and Samir Nasri moving to cash rich Manchester City.

Speaking to club's official website, the defender said: ""I am really happy to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. I always had the intention to stay here. I feel there is a big belief in me from the club, from the boss and from the fans and that is one of the reasons why I stayed.

"Arsenal is a fantastic club. We have great supporters, we're doing well financially and we are playing with some quality young players now and they will develop, which is very good for the future."

Wenger himself was happy with the news, stating: "We are absolutely delighted that Thomas has signed a new long-term contract. Our plan is always to sign top quality players and with Thomas extending his contract, we have done just that.

"Thomas is a special player, who has always made a huge contribution on the pitch and we are looking forward to him being a part of our future at Arsenal Football Club."