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Szczesny signs new long-term Arsenal contract

Wojciech Szczesny had been rumoured to be seeking a way out of Arsenal in recent newspaper reports © Getty Images

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Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

Szczesny, 20, said recently that he was frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities and was quoted earlier this month as saying he did not want to hold talks on an extension until he was given a chance.

However, despite having made just one appearance this season - the 4-0 Carling Cup victory at Newcastle at the end of October - he has committed his future to the club.

Arsene Wenger told the official Arsenal website: "We are delighted to secure the long-term future of Wojciech, who we regard as a very important part of our club's future. We have all seen his huge potential, both in training and in the matches that he has played for us, so we look forward to seeing him develop further in the coming years."

Szczesny, who spent time on loan with Brentford last season, added: "It's a great feeling to sign a new contract with Arsenal and I'm so pleased. The negotiations happened very quickly and it was easy. I'm now looking forward to continuing the hard work on the training pitch and doing my best whenever I have the opportunity to play in the Arsenal first-team.

"I would just like to thank everyone that has helped me get this far, especially Liam Brady, Roy Massey and all his staff at the Hale End Academy. Also Neil Banfield, Steve Bould, all the backroom staff, Arsene Wenger, everyone at Brentford that helped me kick on last season and all my team-mates here at Arsenal and, of course, my family."

Arsenal have not confirmed the length of the deal, but reports suggest Szczesny has committed for another five seasons. It remains to be seen whether he will be given a chance in a Premier League game this season, but Lukasz Fabianski appears to have boosted his hopes of becoming Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper after some strong displays in the absence of Manuel Almunia.

Fabianski was at fault for Andy Carroll's goal in the recent 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, but he kept his place for Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Wolves.

"To be honest, I have played for some time and have not been looking bad in goal," Fabianski said. "I was not happy with what happened against Newcastle but overall I have still felt in good shape. I was not thinking about 'bouncing back from Newcastle' and was only focused on having a good game here and helping the team.

"I think I'm getting experience, which is really important for a 'keeper, and that experience is helping me to prepare for another game. I don't know what will happen when Manuel is fit but I will keep doing my best and helping the team and we will see what happens."

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