Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have both secured their long term future at Arsenal after both players signed new contracts on Tuesday.
German international Mertesacker has become a fixture of the Arsenal rear guard and has contributed to the team´s better defensive record this season. While the 29-year old has had rocky moments and has often been criticized for his immobility, he is a part of manager Arsene Wenger´s first choice central defence alongside Laurent Koscielny or Thomas Vermaelen. The big man revealed his delight at signing the new deal.
“I have become a real Gunner… 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´s signature will be more surprising to Gunners fans as the Czech Republic captain was widely believed to be the player who would be sacrificed after the arrival of record signing Mesut Ozil. However, injuries to key men such as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Aaron Ramsey at various parts of the season have kept the playmaker in the frame. He has played 29 games this season and at 33 years old as surely been secured to maintain squad depth in the coming years.