• Premier League

Vermaelen signs new Arsenal contract

Defender Thomas Vermaelen has committed his future to Arsenal by penning a new "long-term" deal with the club, the exact length of which has not been disclosed.

Vermaelen missed most of last season due to injury and has struggled for fitness at the start of this campaign, but his reputation has soared despite his absence, with Arsenal regularly looking vulnerable at the back.

The centre-back, 25, joined the Gunners from Ajax in 2009 and is set to return to action this month when he completes his recovery from an Achilles problem.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "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."

Vermaelen added: "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."

Gunners fans will be hoping that captain Robin van Persie, whose present contract expires in 2013, will follow Vermaelen's lead. Van Persie has remained coy on his future in recent weeks, fuelling speculation he could follow the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the Emirates.

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