THEO WALCOTT AND Santi Cazorla have committed to Arsenal by signing new contracts with the club.
Walcott, who is Arsenal’s longest-serving first-team player, ends speculation over his future after he had previously been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Cazorla has been the subject of reported interest from Atletico Madrid, but the attacking midfielder has opted against a return to La Liga, with Arsenal announcing both contract extensions via their official website on Friday.
Manager Arsene Wenger is thrilled to have secured the services of two key players.
“We’re delighted to have extended the contracts of Santi and Theo. Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad,” said the Frenchman.
“As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch.
“We’re very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.”
Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006 and has gone on to score 76 goals for the club. He is currently the longest serving player at the club and will now earn a reported £140,000 a week, putting him in the same wage bracket as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
The England international made his return from a serious knee injury last season and netted the opener in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in May’s FA Cup final.
There were rumblings that Walcott may reject the chance to stay at the Emirates Stadium in a bid to gain more frequent action as a central striker, but he stated his desire to sign a new deal earlier this month.
Cazorla has made 148 appearances since joining from Malaga in 2012 and was a scorer in the 2014 FA Cup final against Hull City.
The Spain international continued to prove his worth to Arsenal by making 53 appearances last season, more than any other player.
As well as claiming two FA Cup winners medals with Arsenal, Cazorla was part of the Spain side that won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
Shouldnt be on the same money as Sanchez when you take in to account overall contribution….
Phew!! Don’t need another little wide boy at Anfield, he’s a good player and Professional.. But I’m sick to death of paying for over priced and over hyped English players!!
Que a long term injury any day
That’s a lot of money for 3 games a season
I like Walcott, really hope he gets a good run at it this year and stays fit.
Blah blah blah we didn’t want him etc etc ….
Blah blah blah we dot need him.. Gway if yous could get him you’d over the moon. Much better than what you have on the wing
I’m gutted liverpool didn’t get him ;)
absolutely Fran… not in the same league!
put money on Arsenal winning the Treble, going to be unstopable….
You may well be right , don’t think anyone’s ever won 3 FA Cup in a row
As an arsenal fan I wouldn’t be that mad to bet on the treble.. I’d put 50cent on it that’s about it. But I’d fancy us for the league, if it’s not us city or United imo