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LONDON. — Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has signed a new long-term contract. Spain international Monreal joined the club from Malaga for £8.5m in January 2013 and has been a regular in Arsene Wenger’s side, featuring in all 22 of the Gunners’ English Premier League soccer matches this season.

Monreal, who usually plays at left-back but can also slot into the centre of defence when required, was praised by Wenger for both his individual play and overall approach.

“He has the consistency in his performances that is requested at the top level,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“Overall, his attitude has been absolutely fantastic on a daily basis since he arrived here. He’s 100 per cent committed and I think as well he has always improved since he has arrived and has shown that in many big games as well.

“He’s calm, focused and dedicated. He’s well-accepted and loved by his partners. He has the modest approach of a player who wants to give his best to the team.

“Everybody senses that and that’s why I think it’s important for the club to have that stability.

“Everyone in the Premier League would say that he has become a very strong player. Arsenal are gifted at the moment, I must say, with two top-class leftbacks (Monreal and Kieran Gibbs).

“We have many young players. They need to be surrounded by experienced players, especially at the back.

“We now have experience at the back. Nacho is part of that – he’s a good example for the young players and we have a good bunch of young players.”

The player himself says he has built a strong rapport with his team-mates and with Wenger, factors which led him to commit his future to the club.

“I’m really happy because my intention was to keep playing for Arsenal,” said Monreal.

“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.

“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 English Premier League.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott believes leadership figures in the Arsenal dressing room have given the English Premier League leaders a new sense of self-belief. — Sky Sports.