Two more signings, D15 and B52 extend contracts

The club made two more important signings yesterday, with midfielder Denilson and striker Nicklas Bendtner signing new "long-term" deals with the club.

Denilson can now be viewed as a regular starter in the team, partnering captain Francesc Fabregas, and the young Brazilian (who joined in 2006) was very happy with his new deal.

The 21-year-old also made the more appearances than any other player from the squad last season. He said: "My development since I joined back in 2006 has really pleased me, and I just want to build on last season's performances.

"We have a hugely talented group of players here, and I am convinced that with everyone working together we'll be able to achieve great things. It's a special time to be part of this Club and I'm delighted to have signed a new long-term deal."

Bendtner (B52) also signed a new long-term contract, but unlike Denilson has yet to establish himself as first choice in the manager's plans. The young Dane has constantly been linked with a move away from the club, but has always stated he wants to stay. He said: "It means a lot that I can commit my future to Arsenal because I have a great affection for this club.

"I've been here for five years now, and my development both on and off the pitch as a player and person is thanks to Arsène Wenger and the team here. We've got a group of players that is capable of achieving great success, and I am really excited to be a part of it."

Bendtner's agent, Thomas (his father), said that his son was very happy with his new deal and that there were several other clubs monitoring his situation.

He added: "Many clubs wanted to sign Nicklas, and some of them are among the biggest clubs in the world. It would have been very easy to find a new, great club for Nicklas and when the biggest clubs join in then it is really flattering.

"But he was never in doubt that what he wanted most was to stay at Arsenal. He is so happy with his new contract, and the most important thing is that in Arsène Wenger he has a manager who shows him a lot of confidence."

Manager Arsène Wenger was happy with both deals, saying (though the statement seems to have the tone of a press secretary rather than the manager himself): "Denilson's contribution to the club last season was outstanding. His work rate really was exceptional and it is valuable to have players that we know will perform to the very last minute in such a demanding league. I'm pleased that he has committed his long-term future to the club.

"Nicklas has impressed me highly with his application and determination over the last season, you can see that he wants to compete at the highest level and win things with his team-mates.

"He scored a number of important goals for us last season and he will look to replicate that again this year. However, it's not just about the goals, his all round contribution has improved and will continue to do so. I'm very pleased that he will be part of the team for years to come."

Both players have enjoyed a love-hate relationship with Arsenal fans, and many are still not convinced if both are indeed long-term solutions for their respective roles in the squad.

Denilson has done his best to occupy the problematic defensive midfielder role, and Wenger's persistence with him seems to indicate that for all intents and purposes, he is doing the job. It's easy to forget that he is only 21 but is already immensely experienced and hasn't put a foot wrong in many matches.

Bendtner has scored a few important goals during his time at the club, but perhaps another loan-spell would be beneficial for him to get a decent amount of first team action. However, it is nice to have a forward who can add a different dimension to the attack - that big centre-half who can meet crosses with his head.

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