Arsenal duo Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky sign new contracts

Signed: Arsenal pair Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker

4 March 2014

Arsenal have been given a double boost after announcing both defender Per Mertesacker and midfielder Tomas Rosicky have signed new contracts with the club.

Germany international Mertesacker, 29, has established himself as a key member of Arsene Wenger's first-choice back-four and is understood to have singed a contract until 2017.

Rosicky, who is thought to have secured a deal keeping him at the Emirates until 2016, also continues to form an integral part of Wenger's title-challenging squad despite being 33 and the Gunners' boss is pleased to have both players staying at Emirates Stadium.

"We are delighted that Mertesacker and Rosicky have committed their futures to the club," he told Arsenal's official website.

"They are players of exceptional quality and experience, and have consistently proven themselves at the highest level. There is a great feeling of togetherness and belief in the group and this news will only help to strengthen this further."

Mertesacker, signed from Werder Bremen in 2011, has started all but two of Arsenal's Barclays Premier League fixtures so far this season and - with 95 Germany caps to his name - his experience has proved invaluable.

The defender said signing a new deal was a simple decision to make as he has a passion for the club.

"It was easy for me to commit myself to the club," he said.

"I have been here for two-and-a-half great years and feel I have great support from everyone at the club and the fans. I'm really looking forward to having more years coming up with this fantastic club. We have a great team here and we all want to do our best to win trophies.

"I have become a real Gunner...I am truly thankful to the club and all the supporters for the time I have had here so far. And today I am deeply proud to have extended my contract with Arsenal. I'm proud to be a Gunner."

With the club-record signing of Mertesacker's compatriot Mesut Ozil in the summer and the emergence of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere in recent times, Rosicky was widely expected to be the man who missed out on playing for Arsenal on a regular basis.

But the Czech Republic star has featured 27 times across all competitions this season and is aiming to pick up his first Premier League crown with a club he joined over eight years ago.

"I'm very happy that I'm staying at the club," he said.

"I'm proud that I'm still here after a long time and that it still continues. I'm glad I'm here at Arsenal and we're all trying our best to win trophies for the club and our supporters.

"Ever since I arrived at Arsenal, I have always felt that I'm at the right place where I want to be. I still feel this way now and I'm proud that after such a long time I'm still here and will continue. One big factor is that I want to win the league with Arsenal."

Wenger's side currently sit third in the table and are four points adrift of leaders Chelsea having fallen to a 1-0 defeat at Stoke last weekend.

Arsenal duo Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky sign new contracts

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