Arsenal announce new contracts for Mertesacker and Rosicky

The Gunners have locked up a pair of veterans.

Arsenal announced defender Per Mertesacker and midfielder Tomas Rosicky have extending their contracts with the team.

“We are delighted that Mertesacker and Rosicky have committed their futures to the Club," said Arsène Wenger, in a statement on the club's official website.

"They are players of exceptional quality and experience, and have consistently proven themselves at the highest level. There is a great feeling of togetherness and belief in the group and this news will only help to strengthen this further.”

Mertesacker, 29, joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen in 2011 and has established himself as the club's most reliable defender, making 110 appearances for Wenger's squad. 

Rosicky, 33, has made 209 appearances for Arsenal since joining the club eight years ago. 

It was believed a new contract for defender Bacary Sagna would also be announced, but his name was conspicuously absent from the press release released on Tuesday.