Sport : Football

Five sign new Arsenal deals

19th December 2012, 05:25pm

Arsene Wenger is happy as the five players sign new contracts.

Arsene Wenger is happy as the five players sign new contracts.

Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Ramsey have all signed long-term Arsenal contracts.

"We are delighted that these five young players have all signed new long-term contracts," manager Arsene Wenger said.

Confirmation that Wilshere has signed a new deal will be welcomed by Arsenal as they attempt to convince Theo Walcott, whose contract expires in the summer, to also stay.

Liverpool and Manchester City are reported to be monitoring Walcott's situation with the England winger holding out for higher wages and a change in position to striker.

Walcott will have been encouraged by the quintet's decision to sign - especially Wilshere - and Wenger is pleased to have retained a British core within the team.

"The plan is to build a team around a strong basis of young players, in order to get them to develop their talent at the club," Wenger said.

"Jack is certainly the best known, the leader of this group - but the other four players are exceptional footballers, and we're very happy that we could conclude their new deals at the same time.

"Gibbs, Jenkinson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Wilshere represent a core of the squad and it's an extension for a long period for all of them.

"I'm a strong believer in stability and I believe when you have a core of British players, it's always easier to keep them together and that's what we'll try to achieve going forward."

Wilshere, 20, has been in fine form since returning to action in October after 15 months out with ankle, foot and knee injuries.

Ramsey has made 24 appearances for Wales, who he also captained, while the other four are England internationals.


Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week


Football Videos

    Administrators appointed at Hearts

    Administrators appointed at Hearts

    19-June-2013

    Hearts have been placed into administration - meaning they will begin the start of the new season on minus 15 points. Former Chelsea Chief Executive Trevor Birch along with Bryan Jackson and James Stephen have been appointed joint administrators.

    Harper: Kinnear appointment makes sense

    Harper: Kinnear appointment makes sense

    19-June-2013

    Former Newcastle player Steve Harper believes Joe Kinnear's appointment as Director of Football, makes sense for the club.

    Zaha loan still on?

    Zaha loan still on?

    19-June-2013

    Crystal Palace Chief Executive Phillip Alexander says that the club have still not dismissed the idea of approaching Manchester United about a loan deal for Wilfried Zaha.

    Zaha loan still on?

    Zaha loan still on?

    19-June-2013

    Crystal Palace Chief Executive Phillip Alexander says that the club have still not dismissed the idea of approaching Manchester United about a loan deal for Wilfried Zaha.

    Sky Bet

      • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

    Facebook Favourites