Wenger reveals double delight with Arsenal signing

Arsene Wenger was clearly delighted to be able to finally confirm that Arsenal and Hector Bellerin have agreed the terms of a new long term contract which will keep the young right back at the club for the next six years at least and he revealed that there is more than one reason for him to be so happy.

Before the official announcement the manager had spoken at length to Arsenal Player about how the Spain international has improved since joining Arsenal as a teenager from his boyhood club Barcelona, pointing out that Bellerin was not the best at defending when he arrived in London but is now making regulat key interventions as well as continuing to provide a great attacking threat.

Wenger said, “He has improved in his defensive responsibilities. You see him now save dangerous situations in the central area of the centre backs. We have seen that again against Tottenham where he made a tackle inside the box nearly on the left side, because he has that potential for covering runs that are fantastic.

“He’s developed very well his defensive qualities and he is more offensive and much more decisive in his offensive game. His physical potential is absolutely huge, not only is he quick but he can repeat. He can put the volume and the intensity into his game and you do not meet that often in your career.

“He has integrated the values that are important and also, because he is a carrier of the values that are important for the club, I think he will be one of the strong members of this club in the future.

“He has a fantastic mentality and Arsenal has been fantastic for Hector as well because he went through some difficult moments in his career and we kept always faith in him. On that front, Hector was loyal and envisages his career here and I think it’s a fantastic move for Hector and for the club. Both are winners in this deal.”

Another reason for the boss to be so pleased about this agreement as well as keeping a great player is the message it sends out, namely that the days of Arsenal being a selling club and losing our best players to the big spenders are over.

Now can we just get Alexis Sanchez and Ozil to prove this point even more?