Vermaelen signs new deal at Emirates

ARSENAL defender Thomas Vermaelen has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The Belgium international, who has endured an injury-ravaged two-and-a-half years with the club since joining from Ajax in the summer of 2009, is understood to have agreed to stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2015.

The captain of his national side, Vermaelen enjoyed a memorable first season with Arsenal, weighing in with eight goals on his way to earning a place in the PFA Team of the Season. However, an Achilles injury suffered while away with Belgium would eventually sideline him for the majority of last season, with further treatment meaning he has yet to figure during this campaign.

But, with full fitness now approaching, the 25-year-old is delighted to have secured his future. “I am really happy to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. I feel there is a big belief in me from the club, from the boss and from the fans and that is one of the reasons why I stayed,” he told www.arsenal.com.