Arsenal have announced that Spanish left-back Nacho Monreal has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The defender has been fantastic for the Gunners this season and it’s a huge boost to see him put pen to paper and extend his stay in north London after months of speculation. Speaking to Arsenal.com, the 29-year-old outlined three reasons he was keen to sign: his team-mates, the fans, and Arsène Wenger.

Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (R) and Arsenal's Spanish defender Nacho Monreal hold up the trophy after winning the FA Cup final football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Wembley stadium in London on May 30, 2015. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Nacho Monreal has said Arsène Wenger is one of the main reasons he has signed a new deal at Arsenal. (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

After consecutive FA Cup successes, Arsenal are top of the Premier League halfway through the season and it’s hardly a surprise that Monreal has been encouraged by the team’s form.

“I have a good relationship with my team-mates and we keep improving year after year. I wanted to stay here and I could extend my contract. I would like to play here for many more years,” Monreal said.

“The trust of the Arsenal fans is really important for us because they are helping us in every moment as we are fighting to win the Premier League.”

Monreal has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent player so far this season and has firmly established himself as a crucial part of the side. In turn, he’s now something of a surprise favourite in the stands.

Arsenal's Spanish defender Nacho Monreal (C) is challenged by Dinamo Zagreb's defender from Portugal Ivo Daniel Pinto (L) during their UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Arsenal and GNK Dinamo Zagreb at The Emirates Stadium in London on November 24, 2015. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Monreal’s intelligence off the ball and steel on it have made him indispensable. (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Playing in every Premier League game so far this season, he’s also clearly a favourite with Arsène Wenger.

“I met the boss three years ago and I have a really good relationship with him and I’m really happy with him. For these reasons I extended my contract.”

Wenger has selected Monreal in every Premier League game this season as well as four Champions League games. It’s over two years since he won his 16th cap for Spain, but he has unfortunately been unable to add his 17th. Maybe his form at Arsenal could, eventually, see him back on the international stage.

If not, well, he’ll be fresher for Arsenal. It’s great to know he is so comfortable at Arsenal now, and with any luck he’ll sustain his form.