After tying both Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla down to new contracts, Arsene Wenger has spoken about how delighted he is at the news.
Walcott has reportedly signed a four-year-contract, technically taking his time with us up until the age of 31 and indicating that he’s willing to spend his peak years with us. Meanwhile, Cazorla is thought to have signed a two-year-contract extension.
“I’m very happy because first of all, they are two exceptional players, and as well because I think the cohesion inside the club is an underestimated quality,” Wenger said.
He continued, “To have a good cohesion level, it’s important that your players stay together for a long period. That will contribute.”
Although Walcott was injured for most of last season, upon his return he’s looked sharp, alert and is on fine goal-scoring form. He even grabbed the assist for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal against Chelsea in the Community Shield.
“Theo is a good goalscorer and he makes very intelligent runs,” the boss said. “I think he’s at a moment of his career where he knows that it’s now time for him to completely fulfil his potential.”
Santi has always been a gifted player but last season he was something else. He shows up in the big games and during most matches is instrumental in driving us forward. It’s fantastic that the 30-year-old has also chosen to spend his future with us and speaks volumes about how successful he thinks we can be.
“You see how people chant Santi’s name,” Wenger added. “Santi is technically perfect, he’s a very intelligent player and a very good team player as well.”