Arsenal’s official website have confirmed Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have signed fresh terms with the Gunners.
Mertesacker has become an integral member of the squad since his late arrival in the summer window of 2011, and has racked up 110 appearances over his three seasons with the club.
The German international, who is 29-years-old, has become an absolute rock at the back despite a difficult start to life in north London. He’s become a massive fan favourite, and has struck up a resilient partnership with Laurent Koscielny in the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Tomas Rosicky, whose current terms were set to expire this summer, will extend his stay with the club for another year and continue to add experience and graft to the Gunners midfield.
The 33-year-old has amassed just 209 appearances in eight years, largely due to injury problems, but continues to provide big moments when he is in and around the squad.
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Arsene Wenger shared his delight over the experienced duo’s new deals:
We are delighted that Mertesacker and Rosicky have committed their futures to the Club. 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.
The BFG said on extending his terms:
It was easy for me to commit myself to the Club. 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.
On my first visit to England as a boy I bought an Arsenal jersey as a souvenir and I was so proud wearing it when playing football with my friends. Many years later, I have become a real Gunner, being even more proud to wear the Arsenal jersey. 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.
Rosicky revealed:
I’m very happy that I’m staying at the Club. 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. It’s my big goal and I will do everything that I can to achieve it. Arsenal is a great club, we have a great spirit here and we are all working together to do the best we can.
For Mertesacker, a new contract has never been in doubt. He continues to be a regular feature in the squad and will be so for the foreseeable future. He’s become somewhat of a cult figure at Emirates and loves the club.
For Rosicky, it was a little more complicated due to his limited gametime earlier on in the season after his recovery from injury. But he has received plenty of opportunities since and has proven to be a valuable member of the squad.
After a difficult week on the pitch it’s been a bit of a lift to hear the new deals announced, however there is no news on Bacary Sagna. Fingers crossed Arsenal can get that one done too, but it’s becoming increasingly unlikely. While there is also the topic of Wenger’s deal..But that’s for another day.
Are you excited to hear the announcement of Mertesacker and Rosicky’s new deals? Feel free to comment below…
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