Arsenal FC: Thomas Vermaelen Signs Long-Term Contract Extension with the Club

Arsenal fans may be worried about the future of the club's best striker, Robin van Persie, but it seems as if they will not have to be concerned over the future of their best defender.

Thomas Vermaelen, whose contract was due to expire in 2013, has signed a "new long-term contract," according to Arsenal's official Web site.

The Belgian, who arrived from Ajax in 2009, has proved to be an enormous success at the club when healthy, marshaling the back line while providing solid leadership and superb defending.

Vermaelen is exceptionally technically proficient for a central defender, and can score goals with his feet as well as his head. The defence has looked noticeably deficient when he has been out of the side, and fans hope that he can forge a solid partnership with his giant new partner, Per Mertesacker.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, the Belgian national team captain said:

"

I am really happy to have signed a new contract with Arsenal. I always had the intention to stay here. 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. Arsenal is a fantastic Club. We have great supporters, we’re doing well financially and we are playing with some quality young players now and they will develop, which is very good for the future.

"

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger expressed his delight at re-signing the center back, and adhering to his plan, which is always "to sign top-quality players."

I think he would agree that Van Persie is of a similar quality, but for now, at least we Gooners can take solace in the fact that, with his ankle problems hopefully resolved once-and-for-all, the rock of the defence will be playing at the Emirates for years to come.

All hail the Verminator.

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