Arsenal manager welcomes Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott deals

Arsene Wenger has expressed his delight after Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott extended their contracts at Arsenal on Friday.

The Gunners have tied down Walcott to a new deal which should end speculation linking Liverpool with a move for the England international.

As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch

Arsene Wenger

Walcott, who scored in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup final in May, has scored 76 times in over 300 appearances for the north Londoners.

Spain international Cazorla, meanwhile, has extended his stay after a return of 27 goals in 148 appearances in all competitions following his move from Malaga in 2012.

And Wenger, whose side face Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, spoke of Cazorla and Walcott’s continued importance to the north London side.

Wenger told Arsenal’s website: “We’re delighted to have extended the contracts of Santi and Theo. Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad.

“As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch. We’re very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.”

Walcott is the longest-serving player in Arsenal’s squad following his move to The Emirates from Southampton in 2006.

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Cazorla also netted in their 4-0 win against Villa in the FA Cup showpiece.