Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have signed new deals at Arsenal.
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Arsene Wenger had said last month that 33-year-old Rosicky, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2006, had verbally agreed a new deal while there had also been press reports that Mertesacker, 29, was set to commit his future to the club.
Arsenal have not announced the length of the deals but the Daily Mail earlier reported that Rosicky has agreed a one-year rolling contract while Mertesacker has committed to the club until 2017.
Wenger told the Gunners’ official website: “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.”
Rosicky said: “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.”
Mertesacker, who joined from Werder Bremen in 2011, has formed a strong defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny and the Germany international said he is delighted to be staying at 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.”
Mertesacker revealed he had first developed an affection for the Gunners as a youngster.
As a young boy and now-very proud to be a gunner! Thanks fans for your support. Happy to have extended with @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/rsT92OM8kU
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) March 4, 2014
He added on the club’s official website: “On my first visit to England as a boy I bought an Arsenal jersey as a souvenir and 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.”
The Mail also claimed that Santi Cazorla is close to penning an extension but the club have yet to make an announcement over the Spaniard.