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Thomas Vermaelen, left, competes for the ball with New York Red Bulls' former Arsenal striker and fans' favourite Thierry Henry during the Emirates Cup soccer match between Arsenal and New York Red Bulls at the Emirates Stadium in London. (AP)
Belgium center back Thomas Vermaelen signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on Tuesday, boosting the Premier League club as it struggles to recover from the exits of playmakers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
The 25-year-old Vermaelen's contract was due to expire in the summer of 2013, which would have left Arsenal in a difficult position had he not agreed a new deal by the end of this season.
"Our plan is always to sign top-quality players and with Thomas extending his contract, we have done just that," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "Thomas is a special player, who has always made a huge contribution on the pitch."
The north London club didn't disclose the length of Vermaelen's new deal.
The Belgian defender enjoyed a superb first year at Arsenal following his move to the Emirates from Ajax in 2009, but missed almost the whole of last season because of an injury to his Achilles in his right leg. He is currently out of action with a left ankle injury.
"I always had the intention to stay here," said Vermaelen, who captains his national team. "I feel there is a big belief in me from the club, from the boss and from the fans and that is one of the reasons why I stayed."
The north London club has struggled to 10th place following the sales of Fabregas to Barcelona and Nasri to Manchester City and will hope the move also helps convince captain Robin van Persie to sign an extension.
Van Persie's contract is up at the end of the 2012/13 season and the Netherlands striker has indicated he is not yet ready to sign a new deal.
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