New Arsenal deal for goalkeeper Szczesny

LONDON, Nov 16, 2013 (AFP) - Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has committed his future to the club by signing a "new long-term contract", the Premier League leaders announced on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Poland international joined the club from Legia Warsaw in 2006 and has been manager Arsene Wenger's first-choice goalkeeper since breaking into the first team during the 2010-11 season.

"I am very pleased to have signed a new contract," Szczesny told the Arsenal website.

"Arsenal is like my family and I'm so happy to be committing my long-term future here.

"I've been at this club for over seven years now and I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support towards me during my time here."

Arsenal did not reveal the precise length of Szczesny's new deal, but Wenger said: "I have always believed he is an extremely talented player, with excellent reflexes and good mental strength.

"He continues to grow and improve all the time too, so he has the potential to be even better. He can be an important part of Arsenal Football Club for many years to come."

thw/as