Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Gedion Zelalem sign new Arsenal deals

Arsenal have confirmed new deals for Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey, and signed teenager Gedion Zelalem on his first professional contract.

The club triggered an option to extend the 29-year-old Cazorla’s deal, which was due to expire in 2016, by an extra 12 months and increased his wages to £80,000 per week.

Ramsey, 23, who has not played since Boxing Day due to a thigh injury, has signed a new five-year deal worth £90,000 a week.


Zelalem, 17, has also signed a five-year contract at the Emirates following his first-team breakthrough this season.

The central midfielder, who club staff insist is more advanced in his development than Cesc Fabregas was at the same age, is expected to see more first-team action next season.

Wenger said: 'We are very pleased that Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Gedion Zelalem have committed their futures to the Club. Cazorla and Ramsey are absolutely key players for us, and this news is a boost to the whole club.'

'Gedion is very young of course, but he has shown already that he has fantastic promise, and we all look forward to his development with us.'

Ramsey said: 'I'm delighted to have signed a new contract. I've been here for six years and I'm so happy.

'I think we've shown so far this season what we're all about and the direction that this club wants to go in. I want to be a part of that, and to be a part of something special at Arsenal. We have a great team which we believe can achieve great things.'

Cazorla said: 'I'm so happy to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. This club makes me very happy - the manager, my team-mates, the fantastic supporters, the stadium and the whole organisation here.

'I have had a great time with the Club since joining nearly two years ago, and I think that we can be a big player in competing for the top trophies in years to come and that's important for me. I have already had lots of good moments here and hopefully there will be many more to come.'