Arsene Wenger has confirmed a new deal for midfielder Francis Coquelin, that will see the Frenchman tied down to 2019.
The 24-year-old midfielder was previously out of contract at the end of the season but has now extended his stay in North London- as reported on Monday.
Coquelin has proved to be a key part of the Arsenal squad this year after his loan spell at Charlton Athletic was surprisingly ended prematurely.
Since returning from the Championship outfit, Coquelin has become a first-team regular in the Gunners squad and has proved to be the defensive midfielder Wenger’s side has been craving.
Coquelin is now a first-choice starter for Arsenal and it is believed that he will continue to play in his role, as first-team guarantees were a key-part of his negotiations regarding a new deal.
The news gives Arsenal a boost ahead of their North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow afternoon and comes on a day where the Gunners also confirmed another deal.
19-year-old striker Chuba Akpom has also penned a new deal until 2019, after rejecting the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
The two new deals are vital pieces of business for Arsenal, as they secure the future of a key-player in the first-team and a young forward who has great potential for the future.
Coquelin is expected to start in the North London derby tomorrow and we may see Chuba Akpom appear as a substitute.